A powerful earthquake struck an area near the northern coast of Chile on Wednesday. The earthquake came a day after an even stronger quake 1 the area. The earlier quake was 2 for at least six deaths.The United States Geological Survey says a 7.8 3 aftershock hit northern Chile late Wednesday night, local time. U.S. officials said the aftershock was centered about 23 kilometers south of the port of Iquique. They said it struck at a depth of 20 kilometers below sea 4 .The aftershock led Chilean officials to order thousands of people away from 5 areas. It also led to warnings of high tsunami waves in parts of the Pacific Ocean. The orders and tsunami warnings were later 6 . Chilean police and soldiers guarded coastal communities to prevent 7 on homes and businesses. Television video showed damaged buildings in Iquique. But officials found surprisingly 8 damage from the quake. President Michelle Bachelet visited the 9 area. She spoke to the nation about the disaster. She also said 10 measures have been taken to protect lives and property. Earthquakes are 11 common in Chile. They are also a fact of life in the American state of California. Scientists say a quake of magnitude eight or higher could strike along the San Andreas Fault in coming years. The San Andreas Fault extends from north to south through California. Thousands died in its last major rupture, or movement. 12 took place near the city of San Francisco in 1906.Smaller earthquakes also can be 13 if they strike close to heavily 14 areas. Safety experts say every home needs to have a plan of action, supplies food and water, and emergency equipment.Kate Hutton is a seismologist at the California Institute of Technology. She specializes in the study of earthquakes. Kate Hutton admits there is no way to 15 earthquakes, so being prepared is the best defense.

A. populated
B. financial
C. polluted
D. industrialized