EVACUATION PROCESS has started in Hawaii after the state officials issued a Tsunami warning—the first wave might hit Hawaii at 11:19 a.m. Saturday (4:19 p.m. EST).

According to the State officials in Hawaii, the tsunami has been caused by the massive earthquake in Chile.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alert that incoming waves could cause damage along the coastlines across the island chain. A warning has also been issued in Guam, American Samoa and dozens of other Pacific islands.

"It's a big concern," said Shelly Ichishita, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Defense Civil Defense Division. "We're taking this very seriously."

The Hilo International Airport on the big island of Hawaii, which is near the southern coast where the tsunami is expected to hit first, has been closed, she said. All crews aboard vessels and on the ground in state ports have been ordered to evacuate, she said. A warning siren would sound at 6 a.m. local time, alerting residents to tune into their local television and radio stations for instructions.

"The evacuation zones are predesignated in telephone books. We have maps and predesignated tsunami zones," Ichishita said. "It's based on historical data showing they are susceptible to tsunamis."

Federal officials in Washington were prepared to assist Hawaii and Chile, they said.

"We are closely monitoring the situation, including the potential for a tsunami," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile, and we stand ready to help in this hour of need."

A less intensity tsunami advisory was in effect for the coast of California and an Alaskan coastal area from Kodiak to Attu islands.

CHILE ROCKED BY 8.8 EARTHQUAKE- DEATH TOLL RISES

The death toll is expected to rise after an 8. 8 magnitude earthquake struck Chile early Saturday morning. As many as 30 aftershocks, some of magnitude 6.0 or higher, continued to strike the region throughout the day.

Television reports showed extensive damage in the Maule region 150 miles south of Santiago. One bridge there, over the Claro River, had collapsed, according to local reports. In Talca, an agricultural and wine zone 150 miles south of Santiago, reported 35 deaths.

Santiago residents reported heavy smoke, and a fire at an unidentified chemical plant raged for much of the day.

Chile was also the scene of one of the world's strongest earthquakes ever recorded in 1960 that left hundreds dead. The quakes are caused by the recurring collision of tectonic plates off the Chilean coastline.

Sat Feb 27, 11:13 AM

By The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER, B.C. - A tsunami advisory has been issued for all of coastal British Columbia following Saturday's 8.8 earthquake in Chile.

The West Coast Alaska Tsunami Warning Center says a tsunami advisory means there is a possiblity of strong localized currents.

No significant inundation is expected, but low-lying coastal areas and beaches are at risk.

The provincial emergency system says experts predict the first wave arrival time of 15:11 PST at the southern B.C. coastline.

It says local governments may consider activating their emergency plans, including evacuating marinas, beaches and other areas that are below normal high-tide mark.

A stronger tsunami warning was issued earlier Saturday for a wide swath of the Pacific, including Hawaii, the Philippines, and Indonesia.