Yet another earthquake is devastating a country, only this time it’s Chile.  Early this morning an 8.8 earthquake struck Chile, and over 120 deaths have been verified already.  Tsunami warnings have been issued around the Pacific by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center; specifically Hawaii, Japan, Russia, Philippines, Indonesia, and the South Pacific.

The country has suffered major blows like this before, including a 9.5 earthquake in 1960, and the destruction this time is no different.  Airports, roads, bridges, and ports have been shut down due to damages, and copper mining has been halted.  In many places, wide cracks and gouges have appeared, with automobiles and houses slipping in to one extent or another.  Telephone and power lines in working condition are nearly non-existent, allowing few people information about family and friends.

Aftershocks have not given any relief, many of them over 5.0, and a few being over a magnitude of 6.0.  The recent devastation brings back memories of last month’s 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti.  The damage has hit hospitals, museums, and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

Hawaii’s governor has declared a state of emergency as the state prepares for the imminent tsunami produced by the immense earthquake.

American Idol star Elliot Yamin was in Chile for a music festival and sent messages to his Twitter early this morning, and has since been able to contact CNN for an interview, providing a first-hand experience of the destruction.



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