A DISASTER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11366, 13 November 1922, Page 6

A DISASTER

ON COAST OF CHILE GIGANTIC EARTHQUAKE LAYING WASTE CITIES. TIDAL WAVE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received November 12, 11.5 p.m.) SANTIAGO (Chile), November 11. A severe earthquake shock cracked houses throughout Chile. A tidal wave in the north of Valparaiso oau/ved havoo gmong small shipping and property near the shore, and severed the cable connections with North America. CONTINENT SHAKEN WAVE SWEEPING TO HAWAII. IMPERILLING SHIPPING. By Teleeraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Reoeived November 13, 12.5 a.m.) NEW YORK, November 11. The Chilean earthquake and the tidal wave disaster are assuming gigantic proportions. The basis of the present incomplete reports is that the port of Cuqurmbo has been completely obliterated, hundreds of persons drowned, and many vessels sunk. Copiapo is laid in ruins, and the list of" dead and injured is very large. The work of rescue is impeded by debris, which is burying whole families. Antofagasta’s shipping and wharves have been reduced to kindling wood, though no deaths are reported. The Mayor has cabled the capital asking the aid of the Government. Caldera and Ohanaral have also been destroyed. Santiago, -far inland, felt the shock, and though a few buildings fell, no one >was injured. Frightened natives from the countryside are flocking into the city. Few places along the north coast escaped some damage. The earthquake was felt as far east as Buenos Ayres, where lights went out and clocks stopped. The tidal wave is sweeping west toward Hawaii, and imperilling Pacific Shipping.