White House 'closely monitoring' situation following Chile earthquake

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told a pool reporter that, "We are closely monitoring the situation, including the potential for a tsunami. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile, and we stand ready to help in this hour of need."

Chile was rocked by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this morning.

President Michelle Bachelet said there were more than 85 deaths just in the Maule region at the quake's epicenter, and that more were possible, according to Reuters.

President Obama is in Chevy Chase this morning watching daughter Sasha's basketball game.

In Pictures: Early images from earthquake in Chile



Source:csmonitor.com