2012 Doomsday Predictions

Valparaíso is located in central Chile, 120 km (74 miles) to the northwest of the capital Santiago. Valparaiso, like most of Chile, is vulnerable to earthquakes. Before the earthquake of February 27th 2010, which measured 8.8 on the Richter Scale,[2] the last catastrophic earthquake to strike Valparaiso devastated the city in August 1906, killing nearly 3000 people[3] though significant earthquakes occurred in 1985 and the 2008 Papudo earthquake. The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred off the coast of the Maule Region of Chile] on February 27, 2010, at 03:34 local time (06:34 UTC), rating a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale and lasting for about three minutes. The cities experiencing the strongest shaking—VIII (Destructive) on the Mercalli intensity scale—were Talcahuano, Arauco, Lota, Chiguayante, Cañete, and San Antonio. The earthquake was felt in the capital Santiago at Mercalli intensity scale VII (Very Strong). Tremors were felt in many Argentine cities, including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza and La Rioja. Tremors were felt as far north as the city of Ica in southern Peru. Tsunami warnings were issued in 53 countries, and a tsunami was recorded, with amplitude of up to 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) high, in the sea at Valparaíso, Chile. President Michelle Bachelet declared a “state of catastrophe”. She also confirmed the deaths of at least 723 people.] Many more have been reported missing. Seismologists estimate that the earthquake was so powerful that it may have …