Chile earthquake, Twitter helping, Concepcion looting worsens, (photo, video)
Following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on Sunday, particularly in the town of Concepcion--the closest city to the epicenter--looting has become widespread.
Chile has deployed 10,000 troops to Concepcion, in an effort to contain the looting. The citizens in the poorest areas, however, are being allowed to take the food and supplies from supermarkets. That's confusing to residents--in some areas looting seems to be allowed, but in other areas it is not. How is that fair? Of course the answer is that although the food is free, its distribution needs to be regulated by the military so that everybody receives food and supplies fairly.
People are looting because they say they are hungry. Rescue efforts are not getting through fast enough.
The citizens are under curfew rules at night but so far, over 150 people have been arrested for breaking those curfew rules. One person is reported dead after a firefight in Concepcion.
To date, 711 people have been reported dead. Rescue efforts continue and news reports have shown firefighters work through at least one building from which they've heard knocking inside.
Today the president of the country said that Chile would, indeed, accept the aid being offered by the international community. Originally, she had said they would not need it. Rebuilding of the cities affected by the Chile earthquake is likely to take years and cost in the billions of dollars.
People have found that social media like Facebook and Twitter have helped them get messages through to family and loved ones when no other source of communication was available due to power outages.
We will update you as this story continues.
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For recent pictures of what is happening in the cities hit by the earthquake in Chile, see the slideshow below.
For a recent news story from Britain's Channel 4 showing the horror of the situation, click on the Video below.
For more stories on the Chile earthquake situation, see the sidebox above and to the left or click on the blue links in the article.
For a remarkable story on a man who fell 13 stories with his 7-year old daughter clinging to him and they both lived, click here.
Re travel: travelers to Chile should know that the airports are closed to all but relief planes. When travel resumes again in the future, San Franciscans can find flight deals online at www.kayak.com
Comments
I don't understand setting fires when the recovery needs people to help in rescue and clean-up.
Thank you for keeping us informed.
It's like slowing down to watch the remains of a freeway pile-up: the images are staggering. Still, there are lessons to be learned. We all live in an area subject to some sort of nightmarish natural disaster. How many of us are prepared to be as self-reliant as possible when our disaster hits?
We are not entirely helpless if we've made sensible plans for dealing with what may be the inevitable. These tragedies don't always happen to others.
Between Chile and Haiti, there are so many frightening things happening in the world. Very sad.
that is so sad i just wish i can help
how sad.
i from Concepciòn... we need so much help.
Saludos desde la distancia
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