VANCOUVER - Coastal British Columbia was put under a tsunami advisory following the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Chile on Saturday.
The quake struck Chile early Saturday, killing at least 122 people, knocking down homes and hospitals and triggering a tsunami that rolled menacingly across the Pacific.
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) officials said no significant wave is expected, but there are expectations for strong localized currents that could put low-lying areas at risk with the arrival of the first wave expected to arrive off B.C.'s south coast by 3:11 p.m.
PEP issued the warning at 7 a.m. this morning after the West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Centre upgraded the B.C. coast to the advisory level following the massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Chile.
PEP said local governments may consider activating their emergency plans to evacuate marinas, beaches and areas below the normal high tide mark.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned dozens of countries and remote island nations from Hawaii to Japan of possible "widespread damage" from waves, generated by the massive quake which may reach three meters (nine feet).
"Sea level readings confirm that a tsunami has been generated which could cause widespread damage," the Hawaii-based center said. "Authorities should take appropriate action in response to this threat."
The massive quake plunged much of the Chilean capital, Santiago, into darkness as it snapped power lines and severed communications. The international airport was closed after being damaged.
Source:vancouversun.com/
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