Chile Earthquake Aftershocks Frighten Residents & Halt Recovery Efforts
After last week's Chile earthquake registering 8.8, a huge aftershock shook the second city of Concepcion just six days later. Estimates on total damage have been reported to be in the neighborhood of $30 billion. Friday's aftershock was measured at a magnitude of 6.6 by the US Geological Survey. The aftershock caused further damage to the fragile buildings and infrastructure of Chile.
(PressZoom) - After last week's Chile earthquake registering 8.8, a huge aftershock shook the second city of Concepcion just six days later. Estimates on total damage have been reported to be in the neighborhood of $30 billion. Friday's aftershock was measured at a magnitude of 6.6 by the US Geological Survey. The aftershock caused further damage to the fragile buildings and infrastructure of Chile.
Today's aftershock was the highest magnitude since a 6.9 aftershock after the huge initial earthquake on Saturday. Local video broadcasts captured from the area showed extreme damage to the Chile infrastructure further damaging critical resources such as phone, electric and water.
The aftershock on Friday hit just about fifteen minutes before the 9 AM workday and caused some hospitals and other public buildings to be evacuated. The streets became dangerous once again as debris fell from buildings already badly damaged due to the first quake.
Looting has been an ongoing issue in Chile. The Chilean military has been enforcing a curfew imposed to prevent looters from striking. Opponents of the Chilean President Michelle Bachelet claim she waited an excessive time period before ordering troops in to control the situation.
The crisis has come at an awkward time, with a handover of the government due to take place less than one week from today. Bachelet has said that the new government faces major challenges in its first year in power.
A 3 day national period of mourning has been declared and begins on Sunday.
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