Prince George- Prince George has a local connection to the earthquake that hit Chile Tuesday.

Leo Escobar, who lives and works in Prince George, originally came from Arica, Chile near the scene of yesterday's earthquake. Leo says his family headed for higher ground after the earthquake hit fearing a tsunami.

The country was hit with a wave of 1.8 meters , but larger waves were expected.  The highest wave so far has been 2 meters. Tsunami warnings have since been lifted.

"All of my family comes from that area", says Escobar. He says 99% per cent of the people headed for the mountains right after the earthquake . "They have been expecting a major earthquake " says Leo.  In the past month the region has experienced  earthquakes of 5.2, 5.4, 5.6 and 6.2 so they were expecting the big one.

There have been more than 30 significant aftershocks  following the 8.2 quake that was  centred about 95 kms  off the coast  of the port city of Iquique.  There are reports this morning  of 6 deaths,  but  full damage assessment has not yet been completed.  There were reports of  some fires in Iquique, and some looting, but the President of Chile has  sent in  soldiers to assist in  maintaining  order.

According to Escobar, there are many homes that have been flattened . In that part of the country most of  the homes are made of dirt and clay and they are easily damaged.

(updated at 9:13 am Pacific time)