8.8 - Magnitude Quake Hits Chile *Merged*

[cocopea9052]

Finally got to watch some news (local ABC 7). And in addition to the Chile images, they also showed a local weather chopper here over the shore in Long Beach, CA. And the reporter told how the tide had receded some 30 feet...you could see it too...most bizarre!!!......leaving some boats almost sitting on the sand. The reporter said it was an odd phenomenon most likely due to the quake in Chile.

The tides returned to normal, but he could not emphasis enough how peculiar it was......but all is quiet for now.

[Kristina]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,587606,00.html

[forgiven_sinner]

Just saw Oklahoma had 4.4 today also. ps hi everybody. sorry just saw it was posted else where . Oh how close we are!!

[Christina]

Finally got to watch some news (local ABC 7). And in addition to the Chile images, they also showed a local weather chopper here over the shore in Long Beach, CA. And the reporter told how the tide had receded some 30 feet...you could see it too...most bizarre!!!......leaving some boats almost sitting on the sand. The reporter said it was an odd phenomenon most likely due to the quake in Chile.

The tides returned to normal, but he could not emphasis enough how peculiar it was......but all is quiet for now.

This is usually when people need to be careful because if it recedes that far, that means it's coming back in once the wave reverses direction...

[ruth]

My in-laws have a 46' boat at oceanside marina,(about 30 mins from san diego)They were very worried about the boat but were advised not to go down to the marina bacause of safety concerns witht the threat of A tsunami.Even the tide going out like that can damage boats.Thankfullly it looks as if all we got was some major ebbing of the tides.It looked so strange to see long beach harbor so shallow:twitch Large ships were told they couldn't come in for a time bacause of the low tide.

[cocopea9052]

This is usually when people need to be careful because if it recedes that far, that means it's coming back in once the wave reverses direction...

You know, this could well be. I know I would not be in the water right now. Especially with another warning being issued for Japan.

But they did also report that they are going to put on some extra ship patrols....Long Beach has a pretty big port....lots of ships moving in and out, and many folks who live on the Harbor. So they are being cautious as well.....:hug

[Zerozx]

(7 hours ago)

Tsunami waves hit French Polynesia after Chile quake - http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61Q29120100227?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F +US+%2F+Top+News%29&utm_content=Twitter


PARIS (Reuters) - The first small waves of a tsunami caused by an earthquake in Chile reached French Polynesia on Saturday, authorities said.

Residents were asked to move away from the shores and seek high ground while schools were shut down and most roads closed.

The first waves hit Gambier Archipelago at 10:50 a.m EST and Tahiti at 12:50 p.m. EST but Tahiti's seismological center said the waves were only 36 centimeters high.

The tsunami is expected to hit Bora Bora at 1:15 p.m. EST, the French Polynesia High Commissioner said in a statement.

French Polynesia President Gaston Tong Sang sought to reassure residents saying the territory was used to cyclones and hurricanes.

"We will be vigilant, leaving nature to do its work," he told France Info radio.

"But I am thinking particularly of Marquesas Archipelago, it is the most vulnerable area. Islands have no reefs and the bays are deep so water elevations can be important."

Located in the Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia covers a surface of 4,200 km2, roughly the size of Continental Europe. It is made up of 118 islands, which together form five archipelagos.

Tsunami at Marquesas Island smaller than forecast; Hawaii impact could be less than initial expectations - National Weather Service

50th major aftershock, magnitude 5.1, centered at Bio-Bio, Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

(6 hours ago)

Remarks of President Obama on Chile earthquake - http://wireupdate.com/wires/2025/remarks-of-president-obama-on-chile-earthquake/


WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- President Obama on Saturday delivered the following statement on the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile, killing at least 100 people and unleashing a tsunami that triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean.

"Good morning, everybody. Earlier today, a devastating earthquake struck the nation of Chile, affecting millions of people. This catastrophic event was followed by multiple aftershocks, and has prompted tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean. Earlier today, I was briefed by my national security team on the steps that we're taking to protect our own people, and to stand with our Chilean friends.

Early indications are that hundreds of lives have been lost in Chile, and the damage is severe. On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to the Chilean people. The United States stands ready to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts, and we have resources that are positioned to deploy should the Chilean government ask for our help. Chile is a close friend and partner of the United States, and I've reached out to President Bachelet to let her know that we will be there for her should the Chilean people need assistance, and our hearts go out to the families who may have lost loved ones.

We're also preparing for a tsunami that could reach American shores later today, particularly in Hawaii, American Samoa, and Guam. A tsunami warning is in place, and people have been alerted to evacuate coastal areas. I urge citizens to listen closely to the instructions of local officials, who will have the full support of the federal government as they prepare for a potential tsunami, and recover from any damage that may be caused.

I also urge our citizens along the West Coast to be prepared as well, as there may be dangerous waves and currents throughout the day. Again, the most important thing that you can do is to carefully heed the instructions of your state and local officials.

Once again, we've been reminded of the awful devastation that can come at a moment’s notice. We can't control nature, but we can and must be prepared for disaster when it strikes. In the hours ahead, we'll continue to take every step possible to prepare our shores and protect our citizens. And we will stand with the people of Chile as they recovery from this terrible tragedy.

Thank you very much, everybody.

400,000 people left homeless by quake in Chile - NBC News

51st major aftershock, magnitude 6.3, centered off shore of Valparaiso, Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

52nd major aftershock, magnitude 5.2, centered at Bio-Bio, Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

Young boy killed, two other children injured in 6.3-magnitude quake in Salta, Argentina - hospital director

UK Foreign Secretary Miliband says shocked by Chile quake, no word on British casualties - http://wireupdate.com/wires/2027/uk-foreign-secretary-miliband-says-shocked-by-chile-quake-no-word-on-british-casualties/


LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- UK's Foreign Secretary David Miliband released the following statement on the earthquake in Chile on Saturday. The earthquake left more than 100 people dead and unleashed a tsunami that triggered a tsunami warning for dozens of countries in the Pacific Ocean.

"I am shocked and saddened by the news of the earthquake in Chile, the second serious earthquake to affect the Americas this year. I send my deepest sympathy to all those affected.

Our Ambassador to Chile, his team in Santiago and the Honorary Consul network across the country are working hard to locate and contact British nationals, despite significant communications difficulties. As yet, we have no information of any British casualties.

Additional staff from our Embassy in Buenos Aires are en route to Santiago, to reinforce our efforts.

The UK will work with the Chilean government and other international partners to respond to what President Bachelet has described as a ‘catastrophe.’"

[Christina]

You know, this could well be. I know I would not be in the water right now. Especially with another warning being issued for Japan.

But they did also report that they are going to put on some extra ship patrols....Long Beach has a pretty big port....lots of ships moving in and out, and many folks who live on the Harbor. So they are being cautious as well.....:hug

I remember the Boxing Day Tsunami and they were talking about how the shore looked so odd(something like 30 metres receded) because the water looked like it had been completely sucked out to sea.....but then 35 minute later, the power behind that wave coming in was devastating.

Praying for you guys in CA :hug

:pray

[Zerozx]

(6 hours ago)

Hawaii governor declares state of emergency ahead of tsunami waves

Statement of U.S. Secretary of State Clinton on Chile quake - http://wireupdate.com/wires/2028/statement-of-u-s-secretary-of-state-clinton-on-chile-quake/


WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday released the following statement after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile.

"We are closely monitoring reports from Chile and across the Pacific rim, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have loved ones affected by this tragedy.

The United States stands ready to provide necessary assistance to Chile in the days and weeks ahead and is coordinating closely with senior Chilean officials on the content and timing of such support. Our Embassy in Santiago has established a command center and is working to ensure the safety of any affected American citizens.

I leave for the region tomorrow and will be in close contact with President Bachelet and other leaders. Our Hemisphere comes together in times of crisis, and we will stand side by side with the people of Chile in this emergency."

500,000 families displaced by Chile quake, housing minister says - state TV

At least one dead in Argentina quake, but not Chile tremor aftershock - http://wireupdate.com/wires/2029/at-least-one-dead-in-argentina-quake-but-not-chile-tremor-aftershock/


SALTA, ARGENTINA (BNO NEWS) -- A strong earthquake struck Argentina's Salta Province on Saturday, seismologists said, killing at least one person.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck about 15 miles (20 km) northwest of Salta, the capital city of the country's Salta Province. It struck around 12.45 p.m. local time (15.45 GMT) at a depth of 23.7 miles (38.2 km).

The Buenos Aires Herald reported that the earthquake killed an eight-year-old boy when a wall collapsed in Salta city, while several others were injured.

Even though media reports initially said the earthquake was an aftershock from an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile earlier on Saturday, a seismologist at the U.S. Geological Survey denied that.

The seismologist said the earthquake struck too far away from Chile's epicenter to be an aftershock. However, he said, the earthquake in Argentina may have been triggered by the earthquake in Chile. "We don't know yet, but its not an aftershock."

The seismologist explained that aftershocks are not the same as an earthquake-triggered earthquake.

13-foot wave hits Polynesian Island, no casualties - official

(5 hours ago)

Chile 8.8-magnitude earthquake caugh on tape - http://www.tn.com.ar/2010/02/27/internacional/02149204.html

3 million people exposed to "severe shaking" of Chile quake - U.S. Geological Survey

Hawaii tsunami forecasts: Hilo 11:05 a.m. local, 6.9 to 8.2 feet; Honolulu 11:37a.m., 1.6 to 2.3 feet; Kahului 11:26 a.m., 3.6 to 10 feet

King Siaosi Tupou V of Tonga opens palace gates to take in residents fleeing tsunami - TVNZ New Zealand

Civil defense sirens sounding as tsunami bears down on Hilo, Hawaii

53rd major aftershock, magnitude 5.0, centered off coast of Libertador O'Higgins, Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

54th major aftershock, magnitude 5.0, centered off coast of Bio-Bio, Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

55th major aftershock, magnitude 5.2, centered off shore of Valparaiso, Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

(4 hours ago)

Three hospitals severely damaged in Santiago, Chile, plus a dozen south of the capital - Chilean health officials

Tsunami reaches Hawaii - Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

Water level rising and receding around Hilo Bay, from KITV4 News reporter Paul Drewes

Waters begin receding from Hawaii shore; possible first sign of tsunami strike.

5-foot tsunami wave hit Chatham Islands, 430 miles southeast of New Zealand - Reuters

Tsunami waves of three foot reach Hawaii says CNN

Surge going out at amazing speed in Hilo. Like a river - http://twitpic.com/15pllb

The death toll in earthquake-hit Chile is now 214, an emergency official says

5.6-foot tsunami wave recorded at Hilo Bay of Hawaii, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center tells NBC News

[Zerozx]

(4 hours ago)

Tidal waves impacting California now. 2.2-foot wave recorded in Santa Monica.

56th major aftershock, magnitude 5.2, centered off Bio-Bio shore of Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

63rd major aftershock, magnitude 5.2, centered off Libertador O'Higgins shore of Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

Mayor of Santiago, Chile, orders evacuation of residents around factory where fire released toxic chemical cloud

(3 hours ago)

Two more major aftershocks, magnitudes 5.2 and 5.1, off Chile coast raise total so far to 65 - U.S. Geological Survey

KITV-TV: Police have arrested a man for breaking into homes evacuated in Hawaii due to tsunami warning

66th major aftershock, magnitude 5.2, centered off Maule shore of Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

67th major aftershock, magnitude 5.2, centered at Region Metropolitana, Chile - U.S. Geological Survey

NOAA official: "Hawaii dodged a bullet."

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii says islands 'dodged a bullet'; only slight tidal surges recorded

Civil defense official says destructive tsunami waves now less likely in Hawaii.

(2 hours ago)

HONOLULU (BNO NEWS) -- Tsunami warning for Hawaii has been canceled.

Tsunami warning for Hawaii cancelled after Chile quake - http://wireupdate.com/wires/2032/tsunami-warning-for-hawaii-cancelled-after-chile-quake/


HONOLULU (BNO NEWS) -- A tsunami warning for Hawaii was canceled after some 13 hours on Saturday, triggered by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of Chile. The small tsunami that traveled the Pacific Ocean did not cause damage in Hawaii.

"Based on all available data there is no longer a destructive tsunami threat to the state of Hawaii," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in a statement. "Therefore the tsunami warning for Hawaii is cancelled."

However, the agency said the cancellation does not mean that its safe to reenter evacuated shoreline areas. "Some coastal areas in Hawaii may continue to experience small sea level changes and strong or unusual currents lasting for several more hours," it said. "This tsunami warning cancellation does not mean it is now safe to resume normal activities or reenter evacuated shoreline areas."