SANTIAGO, CHILE — A powerful 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck Chile, generating a nearly 16-foot wave, prompting the evacuation of about 1 million people and triggering tsunami advisories as far away as California.
Authorities reported at least five deaths.
The quake hit Wednesday night with its epicenter 46 kilometers (29 miles) west of Illapel, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Some of the fatalities occurred in Illapel, where homes sustained a lot of damage.
“The first thing we want to say is that we regret the deaths of five Chilean citizens,” Undersecretary of the Interior Mahmud Aleuy told CNN Chile.
He said the government sends its condolences to their relatives.
