Massive Magnitude 8.8 Earthquake Hits Chile, February 27, 2010
Over 300 People Reported Dead
Feb 27, 2010 Eunice Lim

SANTIAGO, Chile -- A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile early Saturday.

The epicentre was 115 kilometres northeast of the city of Concepcion, and 325 kilometres southwest of the capital, Santiago, at a depth of 35 kilometres. The quake occurred at 3:34 a.m. (0634 GMT).



Residents of central Chile fled their homes in fear.


Concepcion is worst-hit. Buildings collapsed and some were on fire. Infrastructures like roads and bridges were badly damaged. Electricity, water and communication lines have been cut. Many were homeless.



Santiago withstood the quake moderately well. Many of its new buildings were not damaged. However, older buildings such as the Nuestra Senora de la Providencia church, had its bell tower collapsed. Tourists were stranded at the closed Santiago International Airport.

Tsunami Warnings

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued the tsunami warning to numerous countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Russia and Alaska.
Tsunami waves that struck the coastal Chilean town of Talcahuano measured 2.34m. A huge wave also swept into the populated Robinson Crusoe Islands.

Cause of the Chile Earthquake

Chile sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, on the edge of the Pacific and South American tectonic plates.





The quake, classified as a thrust fault, is the result of the subduction (downward movement) of the Nazca plate under the South American tectonic plate.



Government’s Response and Foreign Aid

President Michele Bachelet appealed for calm and assured that all rescue teams are working.

The European Union (EU) said it was ready to help. Specialist teams from British charities, including Oxfam and Save the Children, have appealed for urgent donations.

I think governments of earthquake prone countries should invest in building earthquake resistant structures. Richer nations can render funds to poorer nations. Also, I feel that regular tsunami drills must be carried out to prepare the people well. If everyone does his part, many innocent lives can be saved.



Websites:
http://earthquakes.suite101.com/article.cfm/earthquake-hits-chile-february-27-2010#ixzz0gnTmO5SU

http://earthquakes.suite101.com/article.cfm/worlds_strongest_earthquake#ixzz0gnSbWhkW

http://surchur.com/tb/chile%20earthquake/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8540289.stm**utm_medium=twitter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazca_Plate

Newspaper:

The Straits Times, 28-02-2010, Reuters, AFP, AP