Tsunami warnings have been issued for Chile, Peru, Hawaii, parts of California and New Zealand after an 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile.
Five people are reported to have been killed and around 20 injured in the tremor, which struck just before 8pm local time in the Coquimbo region, around 150 miles north of Valparaiso.
The quake produced waves of up to 15ft along the coast and was followed by a series of aftershocks.
It caused buildings to sway in its capital, Santiago, and damage in some coastal towns.
One million residents have been ordered to evacuate along Chilean coast, from Arica to Los Lagos.
Beaches in Orange County, California, have been closed over fears of dangerous currents and tidal surges.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said communications may be affected in seven of Chile’s central regions from Atacama to Araucania and warned of power cuts.
“British Nationals on Chile’s coast should follow local advice, including from the National Emergency Agency ONEMI," it said.
