8.3 earthquake strikes coast of Chile, sends widespread tsunami warnings

At least eight people are dead and one missing after an 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Chile Wednesday.

CNN reports the quake occurred at approximately 7:54 p.m. at a depth of 33 kilometers and coastal areas were immediately ordered to evacuate.

Since the quake hit last night, one million people have been evacuated and homes and buildings have been damaged. The quake also immediately sent widespread tsunami warnings to multiple countries.

Tsunami warnings were originally issued for the entire coast of Chile and the National Weather Service also warned a tsunami could potentially reach the coast of Hawaii according to CBS

Although large waves up to over four meters high did hit parts of the Chilean coast, tsunami warnings have since been lifted but still remain in effect for Hawaii. Tsunami advisories have also been put into effect for southern California.

The quake, which lasted over three minutes, was followed by multiple aftershocks above a magnitude of six. Chile is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to earthquakes.

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