28 February 2010

CHILE: Mammoth Quake's Tragic Results: At Least 700 Dead, 2 Million Displaced.

BLOOMBERG Summary with BBC /LATIMES UPDATES/    Chileans are only just beginning to comprehend the earthquake's devastation while still  being shaken by more than 100 aftershocks. Concepcion, the nation's second largest city and closest to the epicenter, is the hardest hit. Many autos are strewn about on roads blocked by telephone and power cables and a new quake-code 14-story apartment building collapsed. Major seaports are out of operation. Cellphone and internet service is spotty. But the airport in Santiago has reopened. Officials say public transport is returning to normal. One metro line in Santiago is operating. Roads are also passable there. Looting has broken out in the most heavily damaged areas, where residents lack water and electricity. Crowds broke into supermarkets in Concepcion making off with food, water and diapers but also television sets. Several banks were also looted. Police in armored vehicles sprayed looters with water cannons and made several arrests, mostly young men.  The initial cost estimate is shocking -- one casuality expert estimates total damage at between $15 and $30 Billion USD -- 10-20% of GDP.