U.S. President Barack Obama offered help to quake-stricken Chile on Saturday, and urged people living in areas where tsunami warnings are issued to follow instructions of officials.

Obama said he has reached out to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet upon hearing about the magnitude 8.8 earthquake. He said the United States has resources in position to deploy, and could help in the rescue and recovery efforts, should Chile ask for help.

He also urge citizens to heed tsunami warnings, and listen to instructions of the warnings. Tsunami warnings are issued all across the Pacific, as the massive earthquake caused tidal waves that could reach as far as Japan.