Arica and Central Chile, April 2 (ANI): Two people were confirmed dead and three were seriously injured when a major earthquake struck off the northern coast of Chile on Tuesday night, authorities said. The earthquake of magnitude 8.2 struck triggered a tsunami that hit the northern part of the country but no serious damage was reported. Residents across northern and central Chile were evacuated from their homes. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake generated a large tsunami with the biggest wave reported at 2.3 meters. The Chilean navy said the first big wave hit the coast within 45 minutes. The government said it had no reports of significant damage to coastal areas, but around 300 prisoners took advantage of the confusion and escaped from a jail in Iquique, Interior Minister Rodrigo Penailillo said.