A magnitude earthquake has hit the country of Chile today and reportedly caused the creation of a destructive tsunami.
While reports are still coming in, the event reportedly happened late Friday (February 26) night.
The huge 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck central Chile early on Saturday generated a tsunami that may have been destructive along the coast near the epicenter, a U.S. agency said. "Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said on its website. "It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicenter and could also be a threat to more distant coasts."
Deaths have already been reported since the earthquake began.
An earthquake hit central Chile early Saturday measuring 8.8 on Richter Scale and lasted for about one and a half minute and set off a tsunami. Damage could be seen all around but exact extent of damage is still not sure as buildings fell and electricity and phone lines went down. As of now there is report of at least 6 people having been killed said Chile President Michele Bachelet. Speaking from an emergency response center, the President said, "We have had a huge earthquake. We're doing everything we can with all the forces we have. Any information we will share immediately." The President also asked people to not travel in dark as traffic lights are down.
Further reports suggest the natural disaster could spread.
USGS geophysicist Vicro Sardina said several tsunami waves had made landfall along the Chilean coast; the largest was recorded at 9 feet and came ashore near the quake's epicenter. The earliest estimated arrival for a wave that could affect Hawaii was 11:19 a.m. local time (5:19 p.m. ET).
Following the news, R&B singer/producer Ryan Leslie has sent out his support.
"...heard about the quake in Chile & am ready to devote time, talent, energy to relief efforts. Collectively we can all support one another."
No further details have been released as of now.
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