Dozens of countries had issued tsunami alerts, fearing the earthquake could cause a devastating tsunami across the Pacific. But on Sunday, that concern receded after no casualties have been reported in other countries other than Chile.
But frequent aftershocks still rock Chile, with more than 115 took place in the first 30 hours after the quake, including a 6.1-magnitude tremor.
Related:
Chilean president announces state of catastrophe in 2 hard-hit regions
SANTIAGO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced on Sunday a national state of catastrophe for the two regions of Maule and Bio Bio to allow the Armed Forces' presence there.
The president also said a free delivery of food to the hard-hit areas of the magnitude-8.8 earthquake will be adopted. Altogether there are 2 million quake survivors in the two areas. Full story
Chile's int'l airport resumes operation after megaquake
SANTIAGO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- The international airport of Santiago starts resuming operation slowly and will completely go into full operation on Tuesday, the commander in chief of Chile's Air Force of Chile said.
General Ricardo Ortega said that one flight from Lima arrived at the airport on Sunday, but the arrival of the flight "does not mean that all flights will arrive regularly." Full story
Over 350 people die in Chile town of Constitucion after quake: TV
SANTIAGO, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- More than 350 people died in Chile's coastal town of Constitution after a magnitude-8.8 megaquake and an ensuing tsunami, the country's state television said on Sunday.
Local police confirmed that more than 150 people disappeared in a tsunami caused by a magnitude-6.1 aftershock Sunday morning as big waves stroke the city, taking away vehicles and hitting hard the cement along the coast in Constitucion. Full story
