The massive earthquake of magnitude 8.2 on the Richter scale, which hit the northern coast of Chile on Tuesday, triggered an eight-foot tsunami. Its fury continued and several aftershocks followed along with a strong 7.8 magnitude aftershock on Wednesday night. Another tsunami warning has been declared in Peru as well.
According to latest weather report, the new quake took place around 25 km south of the regional centre of Iquique at a depth of 20 km under the land. It had caused two aftershocks with 5.8 and 5.6 on the Richter scale and claimed more than 6 lives. The violently shaking buildings of Iquique and consequent eerie moaning of the residents were a harrowing sight. Heeding to government orders of evacuation, more than 900,000 residents poured onto the streets like a swarm of ants.
Destitute Condition
The heart rendering sight of Chileans evacuating coastal areas on foot, with children and everything that they could possible carry along has been doing the rounds of television media across the world.
The President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet has asked the resident to remain calm and assured that a complete damage estimate would be made soon. She was among those evacuated from the coastal city of Arica after yesterday’s quake as she was touring the town to examine the damage caused.
Iquique, Arica and Paths have reported blocked roads and complete blackout. The National Emergency Office said to the local media that around 2500 homes were damaged in the town of Alto Hospicio, near Iquique. However, no houses have collapsed but windows broke and roof came down.
According to local media, the telephone and cell phone systems are recovering very slowly. Thereby, the Consul General of Chile in Houston, Jorge Valdes announced that “if somebody wants to identify relatives in Chile and learn what happened to them, we are in a position to help them."
Though the death toll has been rising rapidly, it could well be said that the country's earthquake preparation and notification system has improved considerably after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010.
Reason for the quake
Geologists have explained that the earthquake was a result of stress and friction along the subduction zone between the Nazca and South American plates, near Chile. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, when large areas of the sea floor elevate or subside, a tsunami can take place.
Impact on Fishermen
Fishermen have been the worst hit as more than 80 boats had been destroyed or sunk into the sea in Iquique. Several flights to Iquique, Arica and Antofagasta were cancelled. Since Tuesday, there have been 17 aftershocks in Chile and in all probability there will be more in coming days.
picture courtesy- BBC News & Reuters