No Tsunami threat to Sri Lanka

27 February 2010 09:27 am

Sri Lanka is not in danger of a Tsunami after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile, according to the Disaster Management Centre. However, a tsunami warning has been issued for Chile, Peru, Ecuador and several other countries.  

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) the earthquake hit at a depth of about 59.4km. In a statement released by the  USGS, it claimed that an earthquake of this size has the potential to generate a destructive tsunami that can strike coastlines near the epicentre within minutes and more distant coastlines within hours. 

Buildings in Santiago were reported to have shaken for between 10 and 30 seconds, with the loss of electricity in some parts of the capital due to the earthquake that struck at 0634 GMT today about 317km (197 miles) south-west of the capital, Santiago. There is no information yet on any casualties or damage.  (KA)