11 Dead, 1 Million Evacuees and Millions Lost Due to Earthquake in Chile

EFE/14ymedio

September 17,2015

SANTIAGO DE CHILE- The number of dead as a result of the earthquake that occurred Wednesday night in northern Chile has risen to 11 people, according to the director of the National Emergency Office (ONEMI), Ricardo Toro. Nine wounded, one missing, millions of evacuees and millions of materials lost.

The quake —the third strongest in the history of the troubled nation, where in 1960 the greatest earthquake in history was recorded—began at 7:54 pm local time and its epicenter was located 46 km west of the northern town of Canela and 15.7 km deep.

Due to the strength of the quake the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA) issued a tsunami alert for the Chilean coast, more than 4,000 kilometers in length, authorities ordered immediate evacuation.