Massive Earthquake Srikes Central Chile

Two million people have been affected by a massive earthquake that struck central Chile on Saturday. So far at least 300 people have been confirmed killed in the earthquake that struck in the early hours. The 8.8 quake - one of the biggest ever - triggered a tsunami that has been sweeping across the Pacific, although waves were not as high as predicted. Japan is still on high alert, with scores of thousands of people urged to evacuated areas at risk. The earthquake struck at 0634 GMT, 115km (70 miles) north-east of the city of Concepcion and 325km south-west of the capital Santiago at a depth of about 35km. It is the biggest to hit Chile in 50 years. Widespread damage to roads and buildings has been reported in many areas, including the capital where a chemical plant caught fire. Electricity, water and phone lines have been cut.