"A magnitude-8.2 megathrust earthquake struck late on Tuesday off the coast of northern Chile and produced a large tsunami, according to U.S. officials.

The quake, which was at a depth of 6 miles and initially rated as a magnitude 8.0, occurred at 4:47 p.m. PDT, according to the United States Geological Survey. Three strong aftershocks, magnitudes 6.2, 5.8 and 5.5, respectively, have been reported since the major quake.

So far, there have been five deaths as a result of this earthquake, according to the Associated Press. Interior Minister Rodrigo Penailillo said that of these five, four were men and the other was a woman.

The 8.2 quake was the result of a megathrust between the Nacza and South America plates near the Chilean coast, the USGS said on its website. The website also showed more than two dozen aftershocks ranging from magnitudes of 4.7 to 6.2.

Chilean officials ordered a coastline evacuation as a result of the quake, The Associated Press reported.

The earthquake resulted in landslides that blocked roads and caused power outages for thousands of people. An airport was also damaged by the quake while many fires destroyed businesses and homes in the region."

Mark Leberfinger reports for AccuWeather April 2, 2014. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Magnitude-8.2 Quake Kills 5 in Chile" (AP) [3]

"Earthquake Hits Off Coast of North Chile" (New York Times) [4]

"Massive 8.2 Earthquake Off Chile Coast Sparks Tsunami" (Reuters) [5]

"Tsunami advisory posted for Hawaii after strong quake near Chile" (KITV-4 Honolulu) [6]