Magnitude-8.2 Quake Kills Five in Chile

The 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck 61 miles northwest of the Chilean city of Iquique at 8:46 pm local time. Chilean Interior Minister Rodrigo Penailillo announced five deaths as a result of the quake.

President Michelle Bachelet declared a state of emergency in the region. The shaking caused landslides that blocked roads and knocked out power for thousands of people.

The entire coastal area surrounding Chile was ordered to evacuate. The USGS issued tsunami warnings for Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Columbia, Panama, and Costa Rica were under tsunami watch.

Areas as far away as Hawaii were also being monitored for tsunamis.

USGS upgraded the intial quake from an 8.0 magnitude quake to 8.2. At least 10 strong aftershocks rocked the area including a 6.2 magnitude tremor.