Magnitude-8.0 quake strikes off coast of northern Chile

4/1/2014

SANTIAGO, Chile — A powerful earthquake has struck in the Pacific off Chile’s northern region, and authorities have ordered an evacuation of coastal areas in case of a tsunami. There are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 8.0 and struck 61 miles northwest of Iquique, Chile, at 8:46 p.m. It hit in an area that has been rocked by numerous quakes during the past two weeks.

The latest tremor shook buildings in parts of the nearby nations of Bolivia and Peru.