A tsunami warning has been issued for Hawaii after two huge Pacific Ocean earthquakes within hours of one another. The California and Alaska coasts have also been placed under a tsunami advisory.
A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake shifted the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile. The epicenter was located 200 miles southwest of Santiago, the Chilean capital.
The quake came hours before a 7.0 magnitude quake shook the Ryukyu Islands, 50 miles southeast of Okinawa, Japan.
Initial reports indicate 78 people have died in Chile. Early morning footage shows widespread damage to homes and business.
In addition to Hawaii, a significant chunk of the Pacific Rim, including much of South America and Australia could be impacted by the tsunami, according the U.S. Geological Survey. The tsunami has already hit Robinson Crusoe Island, where heavy damage has been reported, and residents are being urged to evacuate Easter island.
Under ordinary circumstances, prayer and the mobilization of international disaster aid would be called for. With the world still pouring help into Haiti, the situation could be complicated further in ways too early to speculate.
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