An earthquake with the magnitude of 8.3 struck Chile. This earthquake generated a nearly 16-foot wave. 1 million people were evacuated and authorities have reported at least five deaths. According to the U.S. geological Survey, this earthquake hit Wednesday night.
The earthquake had a depth of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). The evacuations from coastal areas form Puerto Aysen to Arica were ordered be a national emergency for a tsunami alert.
Along the Chilean Coast, near the earthquake epicenter, large tsunami waves had washed this area. According to the U.S. National Tsunami, in Coquimbo a 15.6 foot wave became the largest to land on the shores of Chile.
Tsunami advisories were announced thousands of miles away, including in California and Hawaii. In Southern California residents should stay away from the shore because strong currents are likely. Also. San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles countries have warned residents to stay away from harbors and beaches because of the strong currents. In these three countries, authorities said that land inundation is not expected.
A tsunami warning was announced even in New Zeeland, which is 6,000 miles away from the quake’s epicenter.
