TSUNAMI warnings were issued throughout the Pacific after a massive earthquake claimed lives in Chile.

At least 300 people were killed when the 8.8 magnitude quake struck the South American country early yesterday.

Tsunami ... houses are flooded in Kesennuma, northern Japan

These included Australia, New Zealand and Japan, where the country's Meteorological Agency warned a wave of up to three metres could hit coastal areas.

Evacuations were also carried out in Hawaii and Tonga - where nine people died in a tsunami in September.

On the island of Robinson Crusoe, a huge wave covered half the village of San Juan Batista and three people were missing, according to Ivan de la Maza, the superintendent of Chile's principal mainland port, Valparaiso.

In French Polynesia, tsunami waves up to 6ft (2m) high swept ashore, damaging parts of the coast. Meanwhile, disaster management officials in Fiji were warned to expect waves of as high as 7.5ft (2.3m) to hit the northern and eastern islands of the archipelago and the nearby Tonga islands.

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre said there was a "potential tsunami threat" to New South Wales state, Queensland state, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

New Zealand officials warned that "non-destructive" tsunami waves of less than 3ft could hit the entire east coast of the country's two main islands and its Chatham Islands territory, some 300 miles east of New Zealand.

With the Chilean president declaring a "state of catastrophe" and the death toll continuing to rise, British aid organisations deployed teams to help in the aftermath.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said: "I am shocked and saddened by the news of the earthquake in Chile, the second serious earthquake to affect the Americas this year. I send my deepest sympathy to all those affected.

"Our Ambassador to Chile, his team in Santiago and the Honorary Consul network across the country are working hard to locate and contact British nationals, despite significant communications difficulties.

"The UK will work with the Chilean government and other international partners to respond to what President Bachelet has described as a 'catastrophe'."

Rubble ... people walk past destruction in Chile's second city Concepcion

In London, the Chilean ambassador Rafael Moreno thanked the international community for offers of support but said the situation was "under control".

He said strict regulations about earthquake-proofing new buildings would have helped to limit the damage.

Staff at the embassy in central London have been fielding calls from British-based Chileans who are worried about their families and have been unable to reach them.

He said: "The situation is totally under control. We have good mechanisms (for coping with earthquakes).

"The lines are down, most of them, because of the electricity problem so we communicate through mobiles or Skype.

"We are receiving a lot of phone calls here at the embassy. I came here as soon as I heard the news.

"If people have a need, call the embassy. The embassy is open, we will provide any type of support required."

About 65,000 British tourists visit Chile each year, according to the country's tourist authority.

The Foreign Office issued revised travel advice, warning that "all but essential travel" to the regions of Biobio, Maule and Araucania should be avoided in the wake of the quake.

"The capital Santiago has also been affected with some damage to older buildings and at least two road flyovers have collapsed," it said.

"If you are a British national in Chile, you should follow the advice of the local authorities.

"The British Embassy is so far unable to receive calls.