UPDATE:Chile Earthquake and Aftershocks Kill Over 300

UPDATE:Chile Earthquake and Aftershocks Kill Over 300 and displace more than 2 million people.

The massive Chile 8.8 earthquake and aftershocks have killed over 300 and the world is still regrouping after Haiti’s horrific earthquake. It seems that the earth is still forming as it destroys cities, creates havoc and takes lives.

A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake rocked Chile early Saturday, February 27th, 2010, killing over 300 people and triggering a tsunami that reached  far as Hawaii, 16 hours later.

The first waves hit the Big Island of Hawaii around noon (5 p.m. ET), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated. Gauges were showing water levels at 3 feet in Hilo. More waves were expected. Tsunami waves can travel as fast as a jet plane, 400 to 500 mph.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage and Hawaii was ready for the waves.

There was s large wave that killed three people and 10 were missing on the island of Juan Fernandez, which is around 400 miles (643 km) off the coast of Chile.

Mean while, back on the mainland of Chile, the task of trying to save survivors and recover those who did not survive, is in full gear.

As in Haiti, buildings lay in rubble, bridges and highway overpasses were toppled and roads buckled like a baked cake. Mangled cars were strewn on several highways, many of the vehicles coming to rest up side down.

“This is a major earthquake and as with Haiti, it happened near some very populated areas. Fortunately, it is one of the countries wealthiest areas and they will recover.

According to the USGS, the quake struck at 3:34 a.m. (1:34 a.m. ET) off the Pacific coast at a depth of nearly 22 miles (35 km) and about 60 miles (100 km) northwest of Chillan, Chile. Santiago is the capital of Chile and it is  200 miles (325 km) northeast of the epicenter.

As if the 8.8 earthquake was not enough, at least 33 aftershocks were reported, including a 6.3-magnitude aftershock that hit Argentina. Aftershocks where hitting almost every hour.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, spoke to his citizens, “We are asking everyone to stay calm, to be patient.  We assure everyone that emergency crews are working to resolve these issues.”

President Bachelet has declared areas of catastrophe, similar to our state of emergency, which will allow her to rush in aid.

Once again, the town of Chillan, which was destroyed by a killer quake back in 1939, was once again one of the worst affected towns affected.

Unfortunately, two of the largest hospitals sustained structural damage and patients were evacuated to other facilities.

The military have stepped in to evacuate patients to hospitals and patients are being cared for,” stated President Bacheletwhen she was in the city of Concepcion.

In Washington, Chilean ambassador Jose Goni stated that Chile could manage the catastrophe.

President Barack Obama has already pledged assistance to the Chilean people if they need assistance.

President Obama also warned U.S. citizens in Hawaii and other Pacific areas that could be affected by a tsunami to heed safety instructions from state and local officials.

Saturday’s temblor around six weeks after an 7.0 magnitude earthquake destroyed parts of Haiti and killed more than 220,000 people. The Chilean quake, at magnitude 8.8, was 700 to 800 times stronger.

Though coastal Chile has a history of deadly earthquakes, with 13 quakes of magnitude 7.0 or higher since 1973, they have newer buildings that are constructed to help withstand the shocks.

BBAC sends out it’s condolences, thoughts and prayers to all of those affected from the Chilean earthquake, aftershocks and tsunami’s. Be strong Chile.

For the full story of “Massive Chile 8.8 Earthquake and Aftershocks Kill At Least 214,” go to CNN News .