Tsunami warning in Chile after earthquake in New Zealand

(CNN) -

Following a series of earthquakes near New Zealand, the National Emergency Office of the Chilean Ministry of the Interior and Public Security (Onemi) raised its tsunami alert level to red, according to a statement issued Thursday night. .

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Onemi and the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA) declared a "state of precaution" for the country's coastline, the statement read.

The "state of caution" indicates that there is a possibility of a tsunami in coastal areas and could possibly reach retaining walls and coastal roads, according to the statement.

The decision was made after a strong 8.1 earthquake struck off the New Zealand coast, canceling a previously declared yellow alert.

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Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Mexico are also under a tsunami threat, according to the tsunami.gov website.

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