Disaster zone declared in Chile after deadly quake triggers tsunami

At least five people are dead after a magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean off Chile, triggering a tsunami that generated two-metre waves.

The first waves struck Chile's northern coast within 45 minutes of the quake, with roads left gridlocked as Chileans abandoned their coastal homes for higher ground.

Officials say the victims were four men and a woman who died in the northern cities of Iquique and Alto Hospicio, either of a heart attack or after being crushed by debris.

President Michelle Bachelet has declared parts of northern Chile to be disaster zones, and will visit the region in coming hours, when daylight will reveal the full extent of the damage.

A tsunami warning that had been in place has now been cancelled for all regions.

more: Disaster zone declared in Chile after deadly quake triggers tsunami

At least five people are dead after a magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean off Chile, triggering a tsunami that generated two-metre waves.

The first waves struck Chile's northern coast within 45 minutes of the quake, with roads left gridlocked as Chileans abandoned their coastal homes for higher ground.

Officials say the victims were four men and a woman who died in the northern cities of Iquique and Alto Hospicio, either of a heart attack or after being crushed by debris.

President Michelle Bachelet has declared parts of northern Chile to be disaster zones, and will visit the region in coming hours, when daylight will reveal the full extent of the damage.

A tsunami warning that had been in place has now been cancelled for all regions.