Powerful earthquake hits off Chile, tsunami warning issued

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit 39 km from Puerto Quellon off the coast of southern Chile

A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of southern Chile at 14:22 GMT Sunday. The epicenter was 39 km southwest of Puerto Quellon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

CNN said that the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific Ocean close to the earthquake. Tsunami waves 1-3 meters above tide level are possible on parts of the Chilean coast, according to the center.

Chile’s Ministry of the Interior and Public Security has asked people to leave the beach areas of the regions of Bio Bio, La Araucania, Los Rios and Aysen near the quake zone.