Santiago

Millions without water in Chile capital, Santiago

Officials said the water supply from the Maipo river would be cut to most of the city until the water flowed clear.

People stocked up on bottled water and the authorities ordered restaurants and businesses to remain closed.

Officials also postponed the start of the school term on Monday.

Emergency personnel said the water rushing down from the Andes had also cut roads and isolated thousands of people.

Pope asks Virgin to fulfill Cubans' needs

The pope asked the Virgin to give Cubans "what they most desire and most need."

Two children gave him a copy of a century-old letter from islanders to Pope Benedict XV asking him to declare the Virgin the patroness of Cuba.

He now travels to the Cathedral of Santiago to bless families.

     

Tsunami alert as Chile hit by powerful earthquake

The 8.3-magnitude tremor was centred off the coast, about 144 miles (232km) north-west of the capital.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that "widespread hazardous tsunami waves are possible".

One person was killed by a falling wall, and evacuation was ordered in coastal areas. Tsunami sirens were heard in the port of Valparaiso.

The earthquake struck just off the coast at 19:54 local times (22:54 GMT), about 55km west of the city of Illapel, the US Geological Survey said.

Officials said it was at the depth of about 10km.