KUALA LUMPUR, 2 Apr: An earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale took place off the coast of Northern Chile at 7.46 this morning.
The statement by the Malaysian Meteorological Department today said that the earthquake was centred 84 kilometres Northwest from Iquique, Chile, and 17,906 Southwest from Pontian, Johor.
However, the earthquake did not cause a tsunami threat to Malaysia, according to the statement.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department is monitoring its development and they will inform any updates.
Tsunami warnings have also been issued for the southern and central of the Pacific coast of the Central American country.
The US Geological Survey said that the epicentre of the earthquake is relatively shallow, at 6.2 miles from the seabed and took place at 6.46 pm (2346 GMT), about 62 miles northwest of the mining port of Iquique, near the Peruvian border.
The Chilean Navy said that the first wave of the tsunami struck the coastal area about 45 minutes after the earthquake occurred.
“An earthquake of this scale has the potential to cause a tsunami which can cause damage when it hits coastal areas near the epicentre within minutes and far within hours,” said the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
Iquique is a major port for the export of copper, located near the mining area of the country. Codelco and BHP Biliton said that they have not received reports of the damage in their mining areas yet.
Warning said apart from Chile, the coast of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua are also at risk. Tsunami waves as high as 6.3 feet could hit Psagua, Chile, within 44 minutes after the earthquake.