Chilean President Michelle Bachelet (front 2nd R) talks with people at the quake-hit area in Concepcion, Chile, Feb. 27, 2010. More than 300 people have been killed in Chile after a 8.8-magnitude megaquake hit the country on Saturday, the national emergency office said. [Xinhua]

The US State Department urged Americans on Sunday to avoid non-essential travel to Chile after the South American country was struck by a 8.8-magnitude earthquake.

"The Department of State strongly urges US citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Chile," the department said in a statement.

The department also asked American citizens in Chile to contact family and friends in the US by telephone or internet, or resorting to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

"The February 27th earthquake caused significant damage to the areas closest to the epicenter, including the cities of Concepcion, Talcahuano and Temuco," the statement said.

"Santiago, Vina del Mar and Valparaiso were also affected by power outages and limited telecommunications. The Santiago International Airport has been closed to all but military operations," it added.

More than 700 people have been killed in Chile after the megaquake hit the country on Saturday, according to the latest official calculations.

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2010)