Quake-triggered tsunami begins affecting Hawaii

Story Created: Feb 27, 2010 at 5:19 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 27, 2010 at 5:19 PM EST

HILO, Hawaii (AP) - Scientists have confirmed that the tsunami
triggered by the earthquake in Chile has reached Hawaii.

The extent of the damage was not immediately clear, but the effects of the tsunami were obvious.

Water began pulling away from shore off Hilo Bay on the Big Island just before noon, exposing reefs and sending dark streaks of muddy, sandy water offshore. Water later washed over Coconut sland, a small park off the coast of Hilo.

The tsunami raced across the Pacific Ocean in terrifying force after the magnitude-8.8 quake hit Chile. Officials in Hawaii had ample time to get people out of the potential disaster area, and thousands were evacuated.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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