USGS seismologist says powerful aftershocks from Chile quake to continue, possibly reach 7.0

USGS seismologist warns of more Chile aftershocks

SANTIAGO, Chile — A U.S. seismologist says Chileans will continue to feel aftershocks from last month’s megaquake for a year or longer.

Walter Mooney of the U.S. Geological Survey predicts that in the coming month there will be 25 to 45 temblors topping magnitude 5.0. Already, dozens of powerful aftershocks have shaken the country since the Feb. 27 quake.

Mooney also says there is a one-in-three chance of a 7.0-magnititude jolt — the same force as the quake that devastated Haiti in January.

The seismologist spoke Thursday during a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in the South American nation.

Chile’s government says the 8.8-magnitude quake caused at least 700 known or presumed deaths. It also spawned a tsunami that devastated parts of the coast.