TALCA, Chile – A devastating earthquake struck Chile early Saturday, toppling homes, collapsing bridges and plunging trucks into the fractured earth. A tsunami set off by the magnitude-8.8 quake threatened every nation around the Pacific Ocean — roughly a quarter of the globe.

Interior Minister Edmundo Perez Yoma said the most powerful quake to hit the country in a half-century killed at least 82 people, but the death toll was rising quickly.

In the town of Talca, just 65 miles (105 kilometers) from the epicenter, Associated Press journalist Roberto Candia said it felt as if a giant had grabbed him and shaken him.

The town's historic center, filled with buildings of adobe mud and straw, largely collapsed, though most of those were businesses that were not inhabited during the 3:34 a.m. (1:34 a.m. EST, 0634 GMT) quake. Neighbors pulled at least five people from the rubble while emergency workers, themselves disoriented, asked for information from reporters.

Many roads were destroyed, and electricity, water and phone lines were cut to many areas — meaning there was no word of death or damage from many outlying areas.  For more information please visit: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100227/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_chile_earthquake

"Lord, we humbly come before you asking that you may deliver those who may find themselves in peril as a result of this earthquake in Chile.  Bless the families who have lost loved ones with your embrace and comfort. We know that You are all-merciful and abundant in love for You, oh Lord, are the author of life.  Bless the families here in the United States and particularly in Plainfield, NJ who have families in Talca, Chile and are anxiously waiting for a promising word. These things we ask in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!"

For more information on the PCUSA response please visit: http://www.pcusa.org/