Australia on tsunami watch following Chile quake

[GoFlyKiteNow]

Australia on tsunami watch following Chile quake
TNN, Feb 27, 2010, 04.51pm

SYDNEY: Australia has been put on a tsunami watch following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Chile.

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning on Saturday night for a "potential tsunami threat" to New South Wales state, Queensland state, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. Any potential wave would not hit Australia until Sunday morning local time, it said.

The Bureau of Meteorology says a tsunami has been observed off the coast of Chile that may threaten Australia. The earthquake struck early Saturday in central Chile, shaking the capital for a minute and a half.

 

[GoFlyKiteNow]

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake capable of tremendous damage struck Chile early on Saturday, shaking the capital for a minute and a half. Buildings collapsed and phone lines and electricity were down.

President Michele Bachelet declared a “state of catastrophe” in central Chile and said the death toll was 16 and rising.

“We have had a huge earthquake, with some aftershocks,” Ms. Bachelet said, appealing from an emergency response center for Chileans to remain calm. “Despite this, the system is functioning. People should remain calm. We’re doing everything we can with all the forces we have. Any information we will share immediately.”

Ms. Bachelet said early reports were that 16 people had been killed, and “without a doubt, with an earthquake of this magnitude, there will be more deaths.”