An earthquake 1,000 times more powerful than the one that hit Haiti a few weeks ago has hit Chile:

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile early Saturday, collapsing buildings, killing at least 16 people and downing phone lines. President Michele Bachelet declared a “state of catastrophe” in central Chile and said the death toll was rising.

Tsunami warnings were issued over a wide area, including South America, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, Russia and many Pacific islands.

“We have had a huge earthquake, with some aftershocks,” Bachelet said, appealing from an emergency response center for Chileans to remain calm. “Despite this, the system is
functioning. People should remain calm. We’re doing everything we can with all the forces we have. Any information we will share immediately.”

Bachelet said early reports were that 16 people had been killed, and “without a doubt, with an earthquake of this magnitude, there will be more deaths.”

The Chilean President has issued a “state of catastrophe” following this. The earthquake has also spawned a tsunami and it looks like it’s heading for Hawaii:

The center estimates the first tsunami, which is a series of several waves in succession, will hit Hawaii at 11:19 a.m. Hawaii time (4 p.m. EST).

Sardina said the Hawaiian islands could expect waves of six feet (two meters) in some places. Other estimates have been higher but he could not confirm those were likely.

It’s getting scary with all these powerful earthquakes hitting so close to home. Just for the record, Chile is the location of the most powerful earthquake ever recorded – a 9.5 on May 22, 1960. It also spawned a tsunami that hit Hawaii and went as far as Japan and New Zealand.