Lima, Jan 14 (AP) A powerful earthquake struck off Peru'scoast early today, prompting a US agency to issue a tsunamithreat message for parts of the country and neighbouringChile.
The US Geological Survey reported that the temblor had apreliminary magnitude of 7.3. There have been no immediatereports of casualties or damage.
The epicentre was 42 kms south-southwest of Acari, withthe earthquake hitting at 4:18 am local time at a depth of12.1 kms.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said that "hazardoustsunami waves are forecast for some coasts."A statement says that tsunami waves reaching 0.3 metresto one metre "above the tide level are possible for somecoasts of Peru." It also says waves are forecast to be lessthan 0.3 meters for the coasts of Chile. (AP)CPS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.