At a Glance
- A 7.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the southern coast of Chile, according to the United States Geological Survey.
- The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami threat for areas within 620 miles of the quake’s epicenter.
National emergency director Ricardo Toro said at a press conference that about 5,000 people were evacuated for fear of a possible tsunami following the quake, but the alert was eased about 90 minutes after the temblor. The evacuated were allowed to return to their homes.
"There is no information of loss of life,'' Toro said, but he said some highways sustained damaged.
Taxi driver Luis Ramirez told The Associated Press by telephone from the town of Ancud that he was washing his car when the quake hit.
"I'm 48 years old and I've never felt anything so strong,'' he said.
Ramirez said cars equipped with loudspeakers were roaming the streets urging people to evacuate beach areas