Earthquake Rattles Chile, Military Takes Charge

04-02-2014 • Next News Network

A large earthquake struck Chile, killing at least six people. Hundreds of prisoners also escaped a women's prison damaged during the event. The magnitude 8.2 quake was centered off the coast of the country of 17 million people. People up to 300 miles away from the epicenter reported feeling the ground shake. Victims were killed by heart attacks and falling debris. Tsunami warnings issued on Tuesday night forced 900,000 people to leave homes in coastal areas. On Wednesday morning, government officials lifted the warning. Only one small tsunami wave was created in the seismic event, and caused no damage. The epicenter of the earthquake was located 60 miles off the coast Iquique, and just over six miles underground. Parts of northern Chile have been declared a disaster area, and the military is being dispatched to affected areas to restore order. Geologists warn this disaster may be a prelude to a much larger quake that could devastate the South American country.