8.8 earthquake rocks Chile, triggers tsunami alert in Pacific region

The quake's epicenter was located off the coast in Maule, about 200 miles southwest of the capital of Santiago. It struck at 3:34 a.m., when most people were sleeping.

Several big aftershocks later hit the south-central region, including ones measuring 6.9, 6.2 and 5.6.

The Chilean capital, Santiago, plunged into darkness as the earthquake snapped power lines and severed communications as walls and masonry collapsed.

Roads had crumpled and a bridge had been damaged in the south of the city.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and her officials rushed to their offices to co-ordinate disaster relief. Officials asked terrified residents to try to stay calm and to remain in their homes.

The earthquake was felt by millions in Chile and in parts of Argentina as well. Some buildings in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, were evacuated.

The US Pacific Tsunami warning centre issued a tsunami warning for Chile and Peru, and a tsunami watch for its regional neighbours Ecuador, Colombia, Antarctica, all of Central America and French Polynesia.

The American states of California and Alaska are also under a tsunami advisory.

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center issued also warned of a “potential tsunami threat; to New South Wales state, Queensland state, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island".