Massive 8.8 Earthquake in Chile Surpasses Haiti
Earthquake in Central Chile Shakes Capital of Santiago
The earthquake hit approximately 200 miles southwest of Chile's capital of Santiago, where it is reported that buildings have collapsed, and 70 miles from the second largest city of Concepcion. Electricity and phone lines have been destroyed making it difficult to assess death and damage reports as of this writing.
The 8.8 earthquake occurred at approximately 1:34 a.m. EST on Saturday, February 27, 2010 (3:34 a.m. local time in Chile). At a depth of 22 miles, it set off a tsunami with warnings posted in Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Antarctica and Columbia, as well as Chile. The quake was felt as far away as Argentina.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake itself may cause major devastation, but a resulting tsunami can be even more destructive. A tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 killed over 200,000 people in 11 countries.
The Japanese word tsunami translates to "harbor wave". An earthquake can cause a tsunami when it shifts or disrupts the ocean floor, causing water to be displaced. A tsunami wave loses speed as it passes through more shallow water on an approach to land, but the wave itself will increase in height, causing flooding and beach erosion.
While the U.S. has not experienced a major tsunami in recent years, the Pacific states of California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii are at risk. A 9.2 earthquake in the ocean floor in Alaska triggered a tsunami in a small fishing town in northern California in 1964, killing 11 people and destroying much of the town. Crescent City experienced another scare in November, 2006 when the effects of an earthquake in Japan reached the small seaport city, with 5-6 ft surges sinking boats and destroying docks.
CNN has an early report of 6 confirmed deaths from this morning's earthquake in Chile, with the number expected to rise dramatically. The largest recorded earthquake occurred in Chile in 1960, where the 9.5 magnitude quake killed more than 1,600 and left 2-million homeless and over 3,000 injured. Effects from the massive earthquake were felt as far as the U.S. west coast, causing over $500,000 in damage.
Sources:
news.yahoo.com
cnn.com
geophys.washington.edu
msnbc.com
sfgate.com
Published by Marie Anne St. Jean - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
A Top 1000 Content Producer for the last three years, Marie Anne is a retired U.S. Marine MSgt whose weapons of choice are now crochet hook and pen. When not writing for Yahoo! sites such as YCN! Voice... View profile
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28 Comments
Post a Commentand would you believe that it's March 14th and the aftermath has yet to quit? Very strong, so-called "aftershocks" are still taking place.
and the disasters just keep happening :( such sad news!
My brother in law was there, but we didn't know that until later. e's fine and at home now, but it was scary.
This is so devastating. There has been so many earthquakes lately resulting in millions of people being killed, homeless, and more. I really hope these earthquakes stop happening, or are smaller when they do.
Good reporting! I feel for all the people affected by the earthquake. This was great info to read.
That was a very good report.
Ditto everyone. Great job reporting on this sad situation.
Great reporting Marie Anne. I watched a news clip today and cried because of the kids not be able to find their parents, and parents not being able to find their kids...such a horrible tragedy.
Great report on this tragedy.
Great report!