Major 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Coast of Southern Chile

Andrew MacFarlane and Pam Wright
Published: December 25,2016

 

A major earthquake rocked the coast of Southern Chile Sunday morning, registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.7. The quake was later revised to a 7.6, according to the United States Geological Survey.

 

The large quake was recorded about 24 miles southwest of Puerto Quellon and struck at a depth of 21.5 miles. There were no reports of major damage, but at least one bridge was closed near the epicenter and some 21,000 homes lost power, The Washington Post reports. 

 

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami threat for areas within 620 miles of the quake’s epicenter. The warning was later lifted.

National emergency director Ricardo Toro said at a press conference that about 5,000 people were evacuated for fear of a possible tsunami following the quake, but the alert was eased about 90 minutes after the temblor. The evacuated were allowed to return to their homes.
"There is no information of loss of life,'' Toro said, but he said some highways sustained damaged.

A map showing where the earthquake struck in Chile early Sunday.

Taxi driver Luis Ramirez told The Associated Press by telephone from the town of Ancud that he was washing his car when the quake hit.
"I'm 48 years old and I've never felt anything so strong,'' he said.

Cracks appear in and along a road near Quellon, Chile, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, after an earthquake.
(Edinson Capdevilla/Aton via AP)

Ramirez said cars equipped with loudspeakers were roaming the streets urging people to evacuate beach areas

This is a breaking news story, please continue to check with weather.com for updates.