Chile 2015 Earthquake (Photo : Reuters)
Tsunamis that were 4.5 meters high hit coastal cities of Chile, causing 1 million Chileans to flee their homes on Wednesday night. The waves were triggered by an 8.3-magnitude earthquake that shook Chile at 7:54 p.m.
Right after the tremor, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center advised Chileans, "Tsunami waves reaching more than three metres above the tide level are possible along some coast of Chile."
Buildings shook and residents poured out in the streets for refuge, reports AP. There were several strong aftershocks recorded minutes after the first tremor.
Chile initially recorded it as magnitude 7.2, and the US Geological Survey reported a preliminary magnitude of 7.9, but later upgraded it to 8.3 magnitude. The epicenter was at 141 miles north-northwest of Santiago and 4.8 miles below the surface.
The temblor was also felt in Argentina and Brazil. Some adobe houses in Illapel, an inland city 280 kilometers north of Santiago, collapsed. The tremor knocked out power in Illapel.
As a result of the tsunami, homes and roads in Coquimbo were flooded. Coquimbo Mayor Cristian Galleguillos said that the ocean has reached the city's downtown area.
Death toll, initially at three, rose further to five people, although Chilean Deputy Interior Minister Mahmoud Aleuy said the number was still preliminary and could further increase, ABC reports.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who was quoted as saying, "Once again we are forced to face a difficult blow from mother nature," will visit quake-stricken areas on Thursday.
