A massive magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck near Concepcion, Chile, early today, the USGS reported, shaking buildings and causing blackouts in parts of the capital.

The earthquake struck 90 kilo-metres northeast of Concepcion at a depth of 55 km at 3:34 a.m. local time. A Reuters witness reported strong shaking that lasted for 10 to 30 seconds. The U.S. government said a tsunami warning had been issued for Chile, Peru and Ecuador.

Source: Edmunton Journal

UPDATED
Chile earthquake upgraded to 8.8 magnitude: Chinese earthquake authorities

BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) — The China Earthquake Administration (CEA) upgraded the scale of an earthquake striking Chile on Saturday afternoon to 8.8 magnitude.

In an earlier report, the CEA survey put the magnitude of the earthquake at 8.5.

The earthquake occurred at 2:34 p.m. (Beijing Time) in Chile. The epicenter was 35.8 degrees south latitude and 72.7 degrees west longitude, with a depth of 33 kilometers, said a statement from the CEA.

Source: Xinhua

Massive 8.8. Earthquake Hits Chile
“State of Catastrophe” Declared by Nation’s President; At Least 16 Dead; Tsunami Warning Issued; Hawaii Could Be in Range

(CBS/ AP) A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake capable of tremendous damage struck Chile early Saturday, shaking the capital for a minute and a half. Buildings collapsed and phone lines and electricity were down.

President Michele Bachelet declared a “state of catastrophe” in central Chile and said the death toll was 16 and rising.

“We have had a huge earthquake, with some aftershocks,” Bachelet said, appealing from an emergency response center for Chileans to remain calm. “Despite this, the system is functioning. People should remain calm. We’re doing everything we can with all the forces we have. Any information we will share immediately.”

Source: CBS News