EspañolAn 8.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of northern Chile, near Iquique and Arica, has left at least five dead and chaos in the South American nation. After last night’s powerful movement, President Michelle Bachelet declared a state of emergency and sent 100 anti-riot police and 300 soldiers to quell fears of looting and to pursue approximately 300 escaped inmates from a women’s prison.
Bachelet’s experience with an even stronger earthquake in 2010 and hundreds of consequent deaths, during her first term in office, has left her concerned about a potential tsunami in the aftermath. Warning and mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for the most sensitive coastal regions north of Antofagasta.
Sources: Post-Standard, and CBS.