Guardian UK: 'State of catastrophe' after huge earthquake hits Chile

Deadly earthquake hits central Chile
President declares 'state of catastrophe' as quake of magnitude 8.8 rocks capital and triggers tsunami

David Batty and agencies
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 27 February 2010 14.37 GMT Article history


A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 has struck central Chile, killing at least 85 people and triggering a tsunami.

The tremor shook the capital, Santiago, for a minute and a half early this morning, bringing down telephone and power lines. The Chilean president, Michelle Bachelet, said there were more than 85 deaths just in the Maule region at the quake's epicentre, and that more were possible.

Declaring a "state of catastrophe" in central Chile, Bachelet said: "We have had a huge earthquake with some aftershocks. We're doing everything we can with all the forces we have. Any information we will share immediately. Without a doubt, with an earthquake of this magnitude, there will be more deaths."

Chile's interior minister, Edmundo Perez Yoma, said: "It has been a devastating earthquake. The death toll will continue rising."

Santiago's international airport was forced to close, a highway bridge collapsed and rubble from damaged buildings fell on to the streets. Speaking to a local television station in Temuco, one witness said: "Never in my life have I experienced a quake like this, it's like the end of the world." ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/27/chile-earthquake-tsunami