Major Chile Earthquake Today: Tsunami Warning, Hawaii In Effect

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A major Earthquake hit Chile today. A major 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck 200 miles southwest of Santiago. Initial reports are 78 dead with the death toll expected to rise substantially. It is estimated the Chile earthquake today was 1,000 times more powerful than the earthquake that struck Haiti in January.

Reports on twitter say the Chile earthquake today was felt as far away as Japan and Argentina. This is the strongest earthquake of 2010.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for Chile and Peru. A lesser Tsunami warning was issued for Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Antarctica. They said a Tsunami warning has been issued for Hawaii later in the day.

The Chilean earthquake today struck at 3:34 a.m. local time and was centered about 200 miles southwest of Santiago, at a depth of 22 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

Reportedly this 8.8 Magnitude Chile earthquake today, February 27, 2010, will rank it among the top 10 most powerful earthquakes on record. It would tie an Ecuador Earthquake from over 100 years ago.

Hawaii Tsunami warnings are in effect. The first tsunami waves are expected in Hawaii at 11:19 AM local time.