A strong 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile prompting tsunami warnings along the hard hit areas this Tuesday night. The earthquake devastated mainly around the coast of Iguige, with an epicenter 62 miles northwest, based on the records to the USGS, United States Geological Survey.
Just after the earthquake, officials from the Chile's Office of National Emergencies announced a wide spread evacuation along the coastal areas of northern Chile. There is a high possibility of a tsunami occurring because of the natural disaster. Communities along these areas are at high risk.
Recent reports from Chilean authorities has informed the public of 2 dead, while 3 were seriously injured in the hard hit Iguigue, which was nearest to the epicenter of the earthquake. The reports were made to a local radio station Cooperativa by the Mayor of Iguigue.
300 prisoners from the Iguigue women's prison also got out during the tragic event. Reports that Chile officials are already deploying some military special forces to guard over the affected areas and secure business establishments from robberies and looting. They will be sent via an airplane and will be landing at Iguigue.
At the city of Arica, homes were said to have been damaged from the earthquake,, specially those that are built on clay and adobe. Some minor injuries were reported along the area, and also small waves were spotted along the city shore line, based on an interview from the city mayor.
Tsunami warning was raised on areas around Chile, Peru, and Ecuador, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. While other areas like Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Columbia are are in constant watch for possible tsunami occurrences.
In 2010, Chile also experienced an even larger 8.8 magnitude earthquake that left 500 people dead and 1.5 million displaced, near Concepcion.
More reports are expected to flow in the few hours to come about the 8.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the northern part of chile, and people are still on high alert on the tsunami warning.
