Devastating Earthquake in Chile

The morning of Saturday, February 27^th an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter scale hit Chile. As of today, at least 799 bodies have been found, and it is estimated that more than 2 million Chileans have been left homeless from this devastating earthquake.

Concepcion, the second largest city in Chile is located just 115km south from what was the epicenter of the quake. Only now are water, electricity and communication services slowly beginning to return to normal in Concepcion. Although there are most likely still more bodies to be retrieved, security has been a huge issue, holding up rescue and aid efforts. Looting, which at first was sporadic, grew violent as the hours passed following the earthquake in the devastated city of Concepcion.

Beginning as a justified and desperate need to acquire water and food, the looting turned into city-wide vandalism and theft. After the supermarkets and shops had been looted, the theft moved on to houses. To defend themselves from the violence and looting, hundreds of people had taken refuge outside their homes, armed with sticks, knives and even firearms. A forced curfew to end the violence was implied Saturday evening, and from Concepcion the curfew also was applied to the cities of Talca, Cauquenes and Constitucion. “Restoring public order is an urgent and pressing need, and for that we must use all means at our disposal,” Sebastian Piñera, Chile’s president-elect, told reporters.

Following the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued for all countries on the Pacific coast. Many towns along the Chilean coast have been affected, and according to Chilean President Bachelet, shortly after the quake a giant wave hit Robinson Crusoe Island, 700km from the Chilean coast, engulfing half the lower part of the island. A small amplitude tsunami hit the Gambier archipelago in French Polynesia also on Saturday, but no significant damages were caused.

In terms of tourism; Northern Chile, including the Atacama Desert and the Altiplano region has not been significantly affected by the earthquake, and all roads are still open. The city of Santiago has suffered some damages, but the general tourist area remains unaffected, and all roads to the north of the city are still in good condition. The wine region, including Santa Cruz and surroundings, has been heavily affected, both because of the magnitude of the quake, and also due to the fact that adobe is the prominent material of construction in the area. Many old houses and buildings have suffered severe damages. Although international flights have been interrupted in Santiago, they should return to normal schedule today.