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TRAVEL ALERT

CHILI (Update) - Evacuation orders and aftershocks have been reported as a result of an 8.3 magnitude earthquake reported at approximately 54km west of Illapel in Chile's Choapa province at 3:54 local time on 16 September. The earthquake has since been upgraded from a 7.9 magnitude to a 8.3 magnitude earthquake by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). One of the strongest aftershocks, a 6.4 magnitude aftershock was reported approximately 25km west of the affected area. Authorities have issued evacuation orders on parts of the coast from Puerto Aysen to Arica. Tsunami waves have been reported off shore at Coquimbo, located approximately 160km from the epicentre of the earthquake. Due to the risk of further hazardous tsunami waves, a tsunami alert, issued by the National Emergency Office (ONEMI), remains effective on the entire coastline. Disruptions such as power outages as well as infrastructural damages have been reported in the immediate vicinity of the earthquake, including Illapel. There have been no reports of casualties thus far. Chile is located in a seismically active region and earthquakes are regularly reported. There is also a subsequent risk of tsunamis in areas situated along the country's western coastline. Further aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days. These may result in further disruptions to telecommunications and utilities in the affected regions. Disruptions to road travel and business operations in the affected area should be anticipated in the coming hours. Due to the possibility of further earthquakes and/or aftershocks in the affected area, clients are advised to take the necessary precautions including following the directives of the local authorities. Clients should monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels, including

Chile's National Emergency Office (ONEMI, http://www.onemi.cl/index.html) for further updates and advisories.

Additional information - Less than an hour after the initial earthquake, three aftershocks - all greater than magnitudes 6.1 - struck the region. A tsunami warning has been issued for New Zealand's eastern areas after a magnitude-8.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Chili. Civil Defence issued the tsunami warning for the East Cape, Chatham Islands, Coromandel and Banks Peninsula regions a short time ago, warning residents in those areas to stay out of the water and keep away from the beaches. Civil Defence said any tsunami activity may reach the East Cape just after midnight tonight. It has warned that tsunami activity could continue for several hours and the threat should be regarded seriously until the warning is cancelled. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said waves of up to a metre could hit New Zealand, while waes of between one and three metres could hit French Polynesia. New Caledonia, Fiji, the Samoas, the Cook Islands, Tonga and other island nations are also being warned of 1m waves. Waves generated by the quake have already started hitting Chli's coastline. Hazardous tsunami waves from the quake were possible along the coast of Chili and Peru within the next several hours. Chili's government has urged residents to evacuate the coastline. A witness said the quake shook buildings in Chili's capital, Santiago.

ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected.

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