MAP OF CHILE EARTHQUAKE

Experts said the earthquake appeared to have no connection to a magnitude 6.9 quake that struck off the southern coast of Japan late Friday evening. Nor was the Chilean event linked to the magnitude 7.0 quake that occurred in Haiti on Jan. 12. Calculations showed that the quake on Saturday was 250 to 350 times more powerful than the Haitian quake.

SantiagoThe quake collapsed a number of buildings and bridges. Several hospitals have been evacuated and the airport has been closed. At least 30 people were killed.

RancaguaThirty-five dead, according to the governor of the region, most from the collapsing of their homes.

TalcaHistoric buildings in the town’s center have collapsed. According to news reports, at least 30 people have been killed. The Chilean Army is mounting a field hospital in the city.

DichatoWater moved nearly 2,000 feet on shore. At least four people drowned and four others died.

ConcepciónAt least 31 people were killed in the Bío-Bío region. A major bridge was destroyed and several buildings collapsed, including one where 60 people are reported missing. Sixty thousand were affected in the city. Tsunami waves hit nearby city of Talcahuano.

Juan Fernández islandsTsunami waves damaged official buildings, schools and houses. Five people were confirmed dead and 11 were missing. A Chilean Navy ship is headed to the archipelago with food and generators.

Valparaíso RegionChile's main seaport, in Valparaíso, was ordered closed while damage was assessed. The copper-exporting port of San Antonio was also closed. Two of Chile's main copper mines were shut, but are expected to resume operations soon.

Tsunami WavesThe earthquake, which hit at 3:34 a.m. local time, generated a tsunami. Waves of 7.7 feet hit near the epicenter minutes later. The tsunami reached north of Santiago a few hours after, with 4.3-foot waves striking Coquimbo. Several hours later, 5.9-foot waves struck the Marquesa Islands in the Pacific

The GeologyThe Nazca plate is sliding beneath the South American plate. The two are converging at a rate of about three and a half inches per year.