OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper is offering Canada's sympathies and assistance in the wake of a massive earthquake that rocked Chile early Saturday.
A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck the south-central coast of Chile early Saturday morning. That's a thousand times stronger than the one that struck Haiti in early January. The quake has forced a tsunami warning for countries around the Pacific Rim.
There are no reports yet of Canadians injured by the quake, but Department of Foreign Affairs officials in Santiago, the Chilean capital, are still getting in touch with travellers who registered with the embassy.
Canadian officials are also in touch with Chilean authorities to see whether they need assistance, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement.
"On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by the serious earthquake which has struck Chile. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile as they respond to this emerging natural disaster."
Governor General Michaelle Jean says the world is put to the test once again.
"After the terrible earthquake that devastated a number of cities and villages in Haiti just weeks ago, the destruction has made its way to Chile," she said in a statement.
"There is a vital need for all of us to join forces again and ensure that solidarity overcomes such terrible adversity."
Foreign affairs officials are asking Canadians in Chile to call home and reassure their loved ones if they are safe.
For consular assistance in Chile, Canadians can call the embassy at (56) 2-652-3800, make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885, or email
Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed affected by the earthquakes in Chile should contact the government's Emergency Operations Centre at 1-800-387-3124 or 613-943-1055.
