8.8-magnitude quake hits Chile; tsunami threatens Pacific

Sunday February 28, 2010

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile early Saturday, killing at least 78 people, collapsing buildings and setting off a tsunami. A huge wave reached a populated area in the Robinson Crusoe Islands, 410 miles (660 kilometres) off the Chilean coast, said President Michele Bachelet. Tsunami warnings were issued over a wide area, including South America, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, Russia and many Pacific islands