SANTIAGO, Chile: A strong 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Chile’s coast on Wednesday, shaking buildings in cities around the country and forcing the authorities to evacuate residents along the 2,690-mile coast after tsunami warnings were issued. At least eight deaths were reported.

The quake hit at 7.54pm west of Illapel, about 177 miles north of the capital, Santiago, and was felt in Sao Paulo, Brazil, more than 2,100 miles away.

Chile’s national emergency service ordered the immediate evacuation of the coast, as well as Easter Island and the archipelago Juan Fernandez. President Michelle Bachelet appeared on national television, telling citizens that her government was closely examining the damage.