Travelore News Update: Tourism Operating Normally In Chile After Earthquake

SANTIAGO, Chile - The Chile Ministry of Tourism has released the following statement regarding the magnitude 8.4 that struck in Northern Chile on September 16th:

The epicenter of Wednesday’s earthquake was more than 280 miles from the capital city of Santiago, mainly impacting the cities of Coquimbo and Illapel, both located in the Coquimbo Region. Immediately following the event, authorities ordered the evacuation of the entire central and northern Chilean coast as a precautionary measure. The evacuation order was lifted today, September 17th at 6:30AM local time. The major tourism destinations in Chile, ranging from the Antofagasta region, as well as San Pedro de Atacama and surrounding areas, including the southern part of the country into the Patagonia region are operating normally and have not been negatively affected. Currently the capital city of Santiago and Santiago International Airport are operating normally.

Please check with partner hotels, tour operator and ground partners in Chile to confirm any unforeseen disruptions to travel arrangements at this time.

Travelore Breaking News: Strong Quake Shakes Chile Capital, Causing Buildings To Sway

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A powerful earthquake shook Chile's capital Wednesday night, causing buildings to sway and people to take refuge in the streets. Several strong aftershocks hits within minutes as tsunami alarms sounded in the port of Valparaiso and authorities issued a tsunami alert for the country's entire coast.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.9. Chilean authorities recorded it as 7.2.

U.S. officials said the quake struck just offshore in the Pacific at 7:54 p.m. and was centered about 141 miles (228 kilometers) north-northwest of Santiago. It said the quake was 4.8 miles (5 kilometers) below the surface.

Chile's emergency office warned that big waves caused by the quake could hit the coast by 11 p.m.