BREAKING: Earthquake in South America sparks tsunami warning

An earthquake has struck in South America, just off the coast of Chile, causing devastating effects.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake hit 7.7 magnitude and struck just 140 miles southwest of Puerto Montt today.

Chile earthquake: 7.7-magnitude quake strikes off South American coast sparking tsunami warning https://t.co/WC7T0xx88P pic.twitter.com/QyHfciPB4e

— N3t Business (@NET____Business) December 25, 2016

This has triggered a tsunami warning from the US Pacific Warning Centre, which could affect areas just over 600 miles of the earthquake's epicentre.

The Chilean Navy has also issued a tsunami alert.

BBCWorld : Tsunami warning after Chile earthquake https://t.co/l6hrjzKjI1 (via Twitter https://t.co/SfDwqPJOed) pic.twitter.com/k9bC0icdHD

— Mahfuz (@0910163030) December 25, 2016

People in the area are also being warned about after shocks they might face in the hours after the quake.

Such a terrible thing to happen on Christmas day.