'Lack of communications' in Chile after earthquake

A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 has struck central Chile, the country's largest in 25 years.

The quake struck at 0634 GMT about 91km (56 miles) north-east of the city of Concepcion and 317km south-west of the capital, Santiago.

The BBC's Daniel Schweimler is in neighbouring Argentina, where the quake was also felt. He said communication systems have been hit making it difficult to contact emergency services.

Initial pictures from the scene show the damage and a fire in Concepcion, as well as damage at the Santiago International Airport, which has been closed.