At least 78 killed in Chilen 8.8 magnitude earthquake

• Source: Global Times
• [22:18 February 27 2010]
• Comments

Residents looking at the damage in Santa Cruz following a huge 8.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Chile killing at least 78 people, toppling buildings and triggering a tsunami warning around the Pacific rim of fire.  (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

The death toll from a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Chile early Saturday has risen to 78, Chilean officials said.

President Michele Bachelet declared a "state of catastrophe" and said the death toll would rise.

"Without a doubt, with an earthquake of this magnitude, there will be more deaths," the president said.

The earthquake struck 320 km southwest of Santiago at a depth of 59.4 km 3:34 am (0634 GMT), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The epicenter was only 115 km from Concepcion, Chile's second-largest city with a population of 200,000 people.