A strong 8.2-magnitude earthquake has struck off the northwest coast of Chile, killing at least six people and setting off a small tsunami that prompted evacuations along the country's Pacific coast.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the earthquake late Tuesday was centered about 100 kilometers northwest of Iquique. Several aftershocks followed, including one measuring 6.2-magnitude. The shock waves were felt as far away as Bolivia and Peru.
Mirian Venegas is a Chilean woman who lives in Bolivia.
"I was in the kitchen and when I went out to the dining room, I saw that the lamps were moving and the pictures on the walls," Venegas said. "I am from an earthquake zone because I am from Chile, but for Bolivia it was very strong.''authorities said waves measuring about two meters were striking cities along the coast and they quickly ordered evacuations.
President Michelle Bachelet addressed the country in a nationally televised speech hours after the disaster.
"Appropriate measures have been taken to protect their lives and their belongings, and the government will continue to work all the time that is necessary to confront this emergency and protect our citizens," she said.
Chile's emergency office said landslides are partially blocking some roads and highways. Thousands of people experienced power outages, while others were forced to spend the night outside
Tsunami alerts and evacuation orders have been lifted.
Chile is one of the world's most earthquake prone countries. In 2010, a 8.8-magnitude quake rocked central Chile, killing more than 500 people and destroying 220,000 homes.
