US Pacific Tsunami warning centre issues "widespread" tsunami warning Pacific nations

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Article: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/death-toll-at-78-after-cities-bear-brunt-of-tremor-tsunami-travel-times-20100227-paak.html

 

A POWERFUL earthquake has rocked Chile, killing at least 78 people, toppling buildings and triggering a tsunami threatening the Pacific, including Queensland, NSW and New Zealand.

The 8.8-magnitude quake plunged much of the Chilean capital, Santiago, into darkness as it snapped power lines and severed communications early on Saturday.

 

The US Pacific Tsunami warning centre issued a "widespread" tsunami warning for all Pacific nations.

 

A partial evacuation of Easter Island has been ordered in the face of possible big tidal waves, Chile's President Michelle Bachelet announced yesterday.

 

She also said two ships with aid had been dispatched to Robinson Crusoe Island, part of the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, which has been affected by a big tidal wave.

 

Japan's meteorological agency warned of a tsunami risk across large areas of the Pacific including as far away as the Antarctic, as the Philippines warned low-lying coastal areas to prepare for possible evacuation.

 

Australia and New Zealand issued tsunami alerts, while Russia said it was monitoring the risk.