Powerful quake hits Chile

A nearly 2m tsunami has struck Chile's northern coast, following a powerful 8.2-magnitude earthquake.

The quake's epicenter was 86km northwest of the city of Iquique, at a depth of 10km, The US Geological Survey said this morning.

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Waves up to 2m were reported to have reached the shores of Pisagua in Chile, according to the nation's National Tsunami Warning System.

"Sea level readings indicate a tsunami was generated. It may have been destructive along coasts near the epicentre and could also be a threat to more distant coasts," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in its evaluation.

"Authorities should take appropriate action in response to this possibility."

Footage from Chilean television shows locals calmly evacuating coastal areas.

At present there are no reports of casualties, but landslides have reportedly damaged some roads in the area.

Chilean authorities also issued a tsunami alert after the quake, which they registered at 7.9.

Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, and a large earthquake has long been expected in the north of the country.

In February 2010, central and southern Chile were hit by a powerful earthquake of 8.8-magnitude followed by a tsunami that devastated dozens of towns.

The quake left more than 500 dead and $32 billion in damage to infrastructure.