Earthquake of 7.7 magnitude shakes Chile

SANTIAGO: A powerful earthquake has shaken southern Chile. The U.S. Geological Survey puts the quake's magnitude at 7.7. It says the quake was centered about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Puerto Quellon and at a depth of 20 miles (33 kilometers). Chilean officials have declared a preventative tsunami alert. Chile's national emergency office has issued an alert and ordered the evacuation of coastal areas of Los Lagos region, reported BBC. "As a measure of precaution, we order the evacuation of coastal areas of Biobio, Araucania, Los Rios, Aysen," the alert said. (More details awaited)