Earthquakes Rattle Chile

Two strong earthquakes rattled Chile's Pacific coast Sunday, prompting Chilean authorities to call for an evacuation along a stretch of shoreline between Arica and Tocopilla in case of a tsunami.  Authorities said more than 100,000 people evacuated some coastal areas as a precaution. Only minor damage was reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey originally reported the quake at a 7.0 magnitude but later downgraded it. The tremor struck offshore about 4:16 p.m. at a depth of 20 kilometers (12 1/2 miles). Its epicenter was 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Iquique, Chile.
The USGS said that was followed by a 5.1 tremor and three 4.9 quakes in the same area.
Chile's navy said there had been a possibility of a minor tsunami between the northern towns of Arica and Tocopilla, so authorities urged people to evacuate along a stretch of coast where the Arica and Parinacota region adjoins the Tarapaca region. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there did not appear to be a threat of a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami.


Mar 16, 2014, 9:23 PM EDT

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