A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of Chile, centred approximately 230km north-west of the capital, Santiago. Tsunami warnings for all coastal areas of Chile and Peru are in place, as well as for nearby Pacific islands, including Hawai'i and the North East Coast areas of Aotearoa.
The New Zealand Embassy Santiago, Chile has updated their website, and encourage any New Zealanders currently in Chile or Peru to update or register their details on SafeTravel, as well as keeping family and friends in New Zealand informed of their safety and well-being.
The embassy urges all Kiwis in Chile and Peru to follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders, stay away from areas immediately adjacent to the coast and monitor local news for developments.
Also, anyone in New Zealand trying to make contact with family members in Chile or Peru are asked to try direct contact first, then if you have on-going concerns to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington, calling within New Zealand (04) 439 8000.
Social media has been filled with accounts of the quake and consequent tsunami so far, but the amount of damage and any injuries are yet to be confirmed.