A powerful earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific with Chile bearing the brunt of the initial impact. Over a million people in coastal areas were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
On Wednesday afternoon, local time, 70-centimeter wave struck Chile’s coast following a major seismic event. While initial fears were high the tsunami warnings for United States and Japan have since been lifted, allowing residents to return home.
Tragically, the earthquake did claim lives. In Guatemala two fatalities have been reported and the country sustained damage to homes and roads. Injured individuals are receiving treatment in hospitals.
Other nations also braced for impact. Peru and Colombia issued emergency alerts, closing beaches. Russia, particularly its Kamchatka coast, was also hit by an 8.8 magnitude quake early Wednesday, resulting in several injuries.
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Along the U.S. West Coast, Crescent City, San Francisco and Port San Luis recorded waves between two and five feet. Coastal residents remained on high alert for several hours before warnings were downgraded.
