An 8.8 magnitude Earthquake struck Chile this morning. The New York Times reports that at least 83 people are dead. That toll is likely to rise. Some shocking video of destruction in Santiago via YouTube.The worst may yet to come. Tsunami warnings are being issued for the entire Pacific region–from Hawaii to Japan. Hawaii is particularly vulnerable and residents in costal areas are being evacuated. From Reuters:
The center estimated the first tsunami, which is a series of several waves in succession, would hit Hawaii at 11:19 a.m. Hawaii time (2119 GMT) in the town of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, with waves in Honolulu at 11:52 a.m…the Hawaiian islands could expect waves of six feet (two meters) in some places. Other estimates have been higher but he could not confirm those were likely.
Chile and Hawaii are both trending topics of Twitter right now. HawaiiRedCross is also posting frequent Tweets. Also, check out ustream for live video updates from Chile and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Bouy Data Center, to track the progress of the Tsunami.