Major earthquake strikes off coast of Chile

(Vatican Radio) A major earthquake struck off the coast of Chile in the Pacific Ocean last night, triggering a Tsunami warning and leading authorities to order the evacuation of coastal areas. The magnitude-8.2 earthquake struck off northern Chile in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, setting off a small tidal wave that forced evacuations along the country's entire Pacific coast. Chile’s interior ministry reports five people were crushed to death or suffered fatal heart attacks, though most of the country was spared major damage or serious casualties.

British geologist Patrick Moore felt the quake, and compared it to earlier tremors he has felt. “I am personally quite far from the epicenter,” he said, “though I could tell [Tuesday’s temblor] was different, it was longer-lasting, and it was more powerful as well.”

The shaking loosed landslides that blocked roads. Thousands of citizens experienced power failure and several businesses caught fire. Listen:

About 300 inmates escaped from a women's prison in the city of Iquique, and Chile's military has made preparations to send a special forces detachment to help police guard against looting.