8.8 Magnitude EarthQuake Hits Chile Live Broadcasting update

The 2010 Chile earthquake happened off the coast of the Maule Region of Chile, on February 27, 2010 03:34 local time (06:34 UTC). Its magnitude was originally reported to be between 8.3 and 8.5 Mw, but has since been upgraded to a possible 8.8 Mw. It was the strongest earthquake affecting Chile since the magnitude 9.5 1960 Valdivia earthquake, and the strongest earthquake worldwide since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

The earthquake was also felt in the Chilean capital Santiago as well as in many Argentinean cities. Tsunami warnings were issued in 53 countries. Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile, declared a "state of catastrophe". She also confirmed the deaths of at least 82 people.

The epicenter of the earthquake was offshore from the Maule Region, approximately 8 km (5.0 miles) west of Curanipe and 115 km north-northeast of Chile's second largest city, Concepción.Also, the epicenter is less than 20 km due east from that of the 1960 Valdivia earthquake. Other cities exposed to Mercalli intensity scale intensity VIII (Destructive) shaking were Arauco, Lota and Constitución. The quake occurred at 03:34 local time, and is reported to have lasted 3 minutes.



CNN's live coverage of the Chile earthquake

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