3 Strong Aftershocks Follow Saturday's Earthquake

Three strong aftershocks struck Chile during the morning hours on 1 March 2010 as rescue and recovery efforts continue in the wake of the damaging earthquake that struck on 27 February. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has asked for international aid from the United Nations to assist in the efforts, while more than 10,000 troops were deployed in the country to maintain order and assist in the recovery. Incidents of looting of shops and banks were reported during the overnight hours in the southern cities of Concepcion and San Pedro; troops fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse looters in some areas, and 55 people were arrested. A nighttime curfew remains in effect near the epicenter of the quake. The latest damage estimates indicate that 711 people were killed in the quake and approximately 500,000 homes were destroyed or damaged. Communications services damaged in the quake are operating intermittently. There are reports of fuel shortages in central Chile since regular deliveries to distribution points have been suspended. Santigo International Airport (SCEL/SCL) is receiving a few international flights (nine are expected on 1 March). Some flights are landing in the northern airports of Antofagasta and Iquique to clear customs and immigration before proceeding to Santiago. Authorities hope that domestic operations will be normalized within the next 24 hours, pending work on tanks for jet fuel, while the target date for resuming international departures is 5 March. Reports indicate that the passenger terminal sustained extensive damage, but that the main runway is able to accommodate takeoffs and landings. A temporary terminal has reportedly been built on the airport grounds and is expected to be used until repair work is completed. As Santiago's airport is one of the main entry points into the country, a large number of flights have been redirected to airports in far northern Chile where cities suffered little to no damage from the quake. Meanwhile, Concepcion's airport (SCIE/CCP) remains closed. Santiago's metro transit system resumed service on 28 February and is functioning fully on 1 March, with the exception of one station (Rodrigo de Araya on Line 5). Residents in the city stated that some damage to roads has hampered bus service. According to a Cabinet minister, road damage is worse than expected; one of the most heavily damaged spots is a highway interchange approximately 30 mi/50 km south of Santiago. The Costanera Norte highway, which connects Santiago to the airport, did not sustain major damage, according to a highway official.