Chile quake death toll hits 214, tsunami hits Hawaii

The death toll in the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Chile on Saturday has risen to 214.

Chilean officials say the incident is a catastrophe of immense proportions.

Some 1.5 million homes have been damaged by the powerful earthquake that struck central Chile, Housing Minister Patricia Poblete said on Saturday.

The earthquake that rocked Chile in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday left a trail of twisted buildings, destroyed bridges, and closed down Santiago International Airport.

The quake was followed by strong, multiple aftershocks.

In addition, a tsunami has roared across the vast Pacific Ocean in the wake of the Chile quake.

The first tsunami waves have reportedly hit the coasts of French Polynesia and Hawaii. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has warned of possible widespread damage from waves as high as three meters.

Dozens of nations, stretching from New Zealand to Japan, are on alert for destructive waves as thousands of people are fleeing their homes.