Image by thejourney1972 (away until april) via FlickrOn Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 3:34 a.m. local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter Scale was recorded off the central Chilean coast. The epicenter was approximately 70 miles northeast of the city of Concepcion, about 200 miles south of Santiago.
Strong tremors were felt throughout Chile, including Santiago. For more technical information on the earthquake, please see the United States Geological Survey website: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/us2010tfan/
Chile is a one of the most seismically active countries in the world – earthquakes here are not uncommon. Building construction standards reflect that, but damage is being reported – ranging from light to moderate in Santiago to more severe structural damage closer to the epicenter.
The U.S. Embassy in Santiago is working actively to ascertain the whereabouts of U.S. citizens, both official and unofficial -- through our warden network -- and local Embassy staff. No Embassy casualties have been reported at this time. American citizens in the United States seeking information on whereabouts of U.S citizens in Chile may call the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747. American citizens in Chile may call 56-2-330-3476.
We have reached out to the Government of Chile and stand ready to provide assistance as requested.
We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the people and residents of Chile who are confronted with this disaster.
To use the Chile Earthquake Person Finder function directly, see:
http://chilepersonfinder.appspot.com/
You might want to check the USGS: World Earthquake Information by Country/Region. Knowing what to do to prepare for an earthquake, what to do during an earthquake and what to do after an earthquake is critical. Please read the Emergency Preparedness for Earthquake from the US Embassy in Chile.
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