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Chile is beginning to dig out from a massive 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the region at 8:46 p.m. local time Tuesday evening about 52 miles northwest of the mining town of Iquique, according to the USGS. At least five people are confirmed dead and tens of thousands have been evacuated from their homes.
The earthquake touched off tsunami warnings and, according to the
BBC, waves up to six feet battered the shoreline in some areas. Widespread power outages, fires and landslides were also complicating rescue efforts. As well, numerous aftershocks were felt throughout the night, including a 6.2 tremor.
Several regions have been declared disaster areas by the government in hopes of "avoiding instances of looting and disorder."
Shortly after the quake, President Michelle Bachelet promised troops and police reinforcement would be sent to maintain public order during rebuilding and repair.
"We're leaving with the children and what we can, but everything is clogged up by people fleeing buildings by the beach," said 32-year old Liliana Arriaza, who was driving away with her three children, according to a
Reuters report.
Bachelet said the country had "faced the emergency well" and called on those in the affected regions "to keep calm and follow instructions from the authorities."
