The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-03-07

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Chile Quake Killed over 700 People

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The 8,8 magnitude earthquake in Chile has killed over 710 people so far. Rescue crews are battling against time to locate survivors under the rubble when strong post-quakes continue rocking the country and spreading panic among people. Authorities are trying to keep order and distribute humanitarian aid. Authorities declared curfew in quake hit regions.

Strong post quakes spread fear

A spray of post quakes all stronger to magnitude 5 hit the country while only one hour after the massive 8.8 quake registering 6.9 spread panic again.

Army to restore order

Although post quakes still rock the country, priority has been placed on survivors' rescue and imposition of order. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been dispatched to quake hit regions to avert lootings that most of times are carried out for basic needs. There is also problem with fuel supply with long car queues outside the few gas stations still open.

"A destruction of this size with water and power systems disrupted, people are justifiably concerned and public order concept is lost", said newly elected president Sebastian Pinera caling armed forces to contribute in this period of crisis. He also predicted that reconstruction cost would be over 30 bn dollars, 15% of the country's GNP . Curfew in Conception

Earlier, outgoing president Michele Bachelet declared curfew from 21:00 to 06:00 in Conception where looting of super-markets erupted due to shortage of food. The troops were sent to Concepcion area to restore order and assist in recovering bodies and searching for survivors. People in the streets during curfew hours ill be arrested.

The curfew also applies to Maule and Biobio regions, where looting erupted a day after the magnitude-8.8 earthquake, to restore order and accelerate distribution of humanitarian aid. International airport opens

Local mass media reported that Santiago international airport opened, and foreign aircrafts started landing. Take offs are allowed only for military aircrafts.

Sources: Reuters, La Nacion, ESMAS

News item: 33860

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