Thousands of people poured into the streets in panic after a powerful earthquake rocked a 1,000-mile stretch of northern Chile early Sunday. At least two people were killed and 18 were injured.

But considering the strength of the magnitude-7.8 quake - centered 12 miles offshore in the Pacific - the casualties were few and damage was minor, police said.

Many people spent the night outside after the 1:11 a.m. tremor, frightened by strong aftershocks and the possibility - called slim by officials - of tidal waves.