A Massive Earthquake Rocks Chile

A Massive Earthquake Rocks Chile
The South American nation responds to a devastating quake
By Suzanne Zimbler


Early on Saturday morning, one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded tore through central Chile. The powerful quake killed more than 700 people, destroyed or badly damaged 1.5 million homes and affected almost 2 million people. "We are confronting an emergency without parallel in Chile's history," said Chile's President, Michelle Bachelet.
A Shake Felt All Over the Country
The 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck around 3:34 a.m., jolting people awake all over the country. The earthquake originated underwater, off the coast of Chile. The epicenter, or point where the quake started, was 70 miles northeast of Concepcion, the country's second-largest city.
Fernando Abarzua was in one of the many buildings that collapsed there. "I was on the eighth floor and all of a sudden I was down here," he said, adding that he was surprised to have escaped with no major injuries.
The capital city of Santiago, located 200 miles southwest of the earthquake's epicenter, was also affected. An art museum there was badly damaged, a bridge collapsed and a two-story parking lot fell flat, smashing about 50 cars.
The earthquake triggered a tsunami (soo-nah-mee) that swept across the Pacific Ocean, setting off warnings in 53 countries. In Japan and Hawaii, thousands of people evacuated beaches, fearing giant waves. In the end, the tsunami's waves caused major damage and several deaths in Chile but nowhere else.
Dozens of aftershocks, or smaller earthquakes, rattled the area in the days following Saturday's massive quake. Powerful aftershocks were still being recorded Monday, a few as high as magnitude 5.3.
A History of Earthquakes
Chile has a history of earthquakes. The largest recorded earthquake in the world—a 9.5-magnitude quake—struck the country in May 1960. Since 1973, there have been 13 quakes there with a magnitude of at least 7.0. As a result, Chile's newer buildings were constructed to help withstand the shocks.
That is one reason that Chile's quake—though 500 times stronger—has caused much less damage than the earthquake that struck Haiti in January.
Help on the Way
On Sunday, Bachelet ordered troops in Chile to help deliver food, water and blankets and to clear rubble from the roads. Temporary hospitals were planned for the hardest-hit areas.
She later requested help from the international community. On Monday, the United Nations prepared to send 45 satellite phones for officials coordinating earthquake relief efforts as well as 30 tons of food and other aid.
Even before Bachelet's request, President Obama announced that the U.S. was prepared to help. "The United States stands ready to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts," he said.
This is a big earthquake! This earthquake shaked Chile and many people die!, This earthquake even had a tsunami and it went for places like Hong Kong and Japan. But this is not too dangerous than the Haiti earthquake. Lots and lots of big quakes happen in the world often!