Google Launches Chile Quake 'Person Finder'

Moving masses of rock by several meters affects rotation

(NEWSER) - The magnitude 8.8 earthquake that hit Chile may have actually shifted the Earth's axis, shortening the length of a day, a NASA scientist says. Moving hundreds of kilometers of rock changes the earth's distribution of mass, and, in turn, changes the planet's rate of rotation. In this case, the axis likely shifted by about 3 inches, shortening the day by about 1.26 microseconds. More»

Waves ravaged communities along Chilean coast

(AP) - The 40 retirees enjoying summer vacation at a seaside campground knew they had to move fast after Chile's powerful earthquake struck. They didn't make it. The tsunami came in three waves, surging 200 yards into the resort town of Pelluhue and dragging away the bus they'd piled into to get to high ground. Most of those inside were tourists, and only five of their bodies had been found by yesterday. More»

Only four have been bigger since 1900

(NEWSER) - Chile's 8.8-magnitude earthquake is one of the biggest recorded anywhere in the world in the last century. This one ties for fifth since 1900, notes CNN :

1. Chile, 9.5, 1960.
2. Prince William Sound, 9.2, 1964.
3. Sumatra, 9.4, 2004.
4. Kamchatka, 9.0, 1952.
5. Ecuador, 8.8, 1906.

Cities on alert after earthquake in Chile

(AP) - A tsunami advisory has been extended to include the states of Oregon and Washington and parts of Alaska, as well as coastal British Colombia. An earlier advisory covered the California coast. An advisory is the lowest level alert, meaning there is a possibility of strong localized currents but no significant inundation is expected. The move follows today's devastating earthquake in Chile, which triggered potentially deadly waves for the Pacific Rim. More»

No injuries reported yet

(AP) - An earthquake has shaken down walls and knocked out electricity in parts of far-northern Chile. No injuries have been reported, though. The US Geological Survey calculates the magnitude as 6.2 and says it was centered about 41 miles east-northeast of Tacna, Peru, which is situated near Chile's border. The quake occurred at 6am ET. Tarapaca region Gov. Jose Durana says "walls have fallen in some sectors" and some roads were cut off. Many people in the northern town of Arica fled into the streets as the shaking started. More»