Santiago - A tsunami advisory has been issued for Hawaii due to a magnitude 8.2 earthquake that struck on Tuesday off the coast of Chile, but no major damage is expected, US officials said.
“Based on all available data, a major tsunami is not expected to strike the state of Hawaii,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said in a statement.
“However, sea level changes and strong currents may occur along all coasts that could be a hazard to swimmers and boaters as well as to persons near the shore at beaches and in harbours and marinas.”
The initial wave from the earthquake off the coast of Chile is expected to reach Hawaii at 3.24am (13h24 GMT) local time on Wednesday, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.
Meanwhile, Chile’s
President Michelle Bachelet declared parts of northern Chile to be disaster zones after the quake.
Bachelet said she would travel to the regions of Arica and Tarapaca on Wednesday, and send military officials to the areas to prevent looting and disorder. At least five quake-related deaths were reported by the interior ministry. - Reuters and Sapa-AFP