Earthquake in Chile

An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 has hit central Chile in South America. The earthquake struck at 0634 GMT about 115km (70 miles) north-east of the city of Concepcion and 325km south-west of the capital, Santiago.

Chile is highly vulnerable to earthquakes as it is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", on the edge of the Nazca and South American plates; a subductive plate boundary.

The map below shows the areas within Chile that were affected by the earthquake:


It has been reported that at least 122 people have died, but this number is likely to rise further.

Nations around the Pacific Ocean are on full alert for a possible tsunami following the devastating earthquake.



BBC
The Guardian
Times Online