USGS reports an 8.3-magnitude earthquake hits southern Chile

USGS reports 8.3-magnitude earthquake hits Chile

SANTIAGO, Chile — An 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck southern Chile early Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. A tsunami warning was issued.

The quake hit 197 miles (317 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Santiago, and at a depth of 36.9 miles (59.4 kilometers) at 3:34 a.m. (0634 GMT; 1:34 a.m. EST).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for Chile and Peru, and a less-urgent tsunami watch for Ecuador.

“An earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines near the epicenter within minutes and more distant coastlines within hours,” the center said.

the U.S. west coast tsunami warning center said it did not expect a tsunami along the west of the U.S. or Canada but was continuing to monitor the situation.