Australia on tsunami watch after earthquake
February 27, 2010 - 8:39PM

Australia is on tsunami watch after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Chile's coast, toppling buildings and killing at least six people.

"An undersea earthquake has occurred near the coast of Central Chile," the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said in a statement, warning of a potential tsunami threat to NSW, Queensland, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

"Tsunami waves have been observed on the coast of chile that may threaten Australia."

The quake, capable of tremendous damage, hit off Chile's coast at 3:34am local time (1734 AEDT) on Saturday, shaking buildings in the capital, where some have buildings collapsed.

The epicentre of the tremor was 100 kilometres north northwest of the Chilean town of Chillan and 115 kilometres northeast of Concepcion, Chile's second-largest city, where more than 200,000 people live along the Bio Bio river.

The quake was felt in Argentina as well.

The survey had initially put the magnitude of the tremor at 8.5 but later adjusted it to 8.8.

In Australia, the BoM said tsunami waves could start affecting Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands after 8:30am (AEDT) on Sunday.

NSW could be hit after 8:45am (AEDT) on Sunday while Queensland would be hit 8:15am (AEST)

The website said the next advice would be issued by 9.15pm (AEDT) on Saturday.

All you east coasters get out there in the morning could be epic

Might sort out the sand at 1st point though

Phill

Lobes said...

SurfeeChick said...

Might sort out the sand at 1st point though

Phill

LoL, just get her her own laptop Phill

Haha , you said it Lobes . Come on Phill she needs her own laptop mate