Death Toll for Earthquake in Chile Increases
Guantánamo, Feb 27 (CMKS).- The figure of deaths has already reached over 100 in Chile after the earthquake of 8.8 degrees on the Richter scale that hit the country in the early hours of Saturday, which shook the country’s central and southern areas and caused severe material damages.The earthquake, that lasted one and a half minutes and that took place at 3:34
hours, is considered by experts as extraordinarily intense, with a series of strong
aftershocks of 6 and 5 degrees, according to international media outlets.The epicenter was located near the southern city of Concepcion and many cities from the neighboring port of Valparaiso to the southern area of the Araucania are suffering lack of electricity and other basic services.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has declared five regions as areas of disaster, including the capital, Santiago de Chile, where the international airport was severely damaged and at least one building collapsed in the urban center, according to the national press.
First thing in the morning, after going to the National Office for Emergencies where she assessed the damages caused by the earthquake and monitored the initial measures taken to give victims assistance, the head of state travelled to disaster areas on the central and southern parts of the country.
Source: ACN
