Quake rescue operation under way

Feb 28 2010

Rescue efforts are under way to help survivors of a massive earthquake in Chile.

Authorities said Saturday's magnitude 8.8 quake left more than 300 people dead but the death toll was expected to rise as aftershocks continued to hit the South American country.

Around 1.5 million Chileans were affected by the tremors, which caused buildings and roads to collapse and left 500,000 homes severely damaged.

But fears a tsunami would wreak further devastation across the Pacific proved unfounded with waves failing to cause serious problems. A tsunami warning put in place for 53 countries has now been lifted.

President Michelle Bachelet declared a "state of catastrophe" in central Chile. "It was a catastrophe of devastating consequences," she said.

British aid teams were travelling to Chile to assist the humanitarian operation, with Oxfam workers expected to arrive on Monday.

The quake, the most powerful to hit the nation in 50 years, sent shockwaves out from the epicentre 70 miles from Chile's second city Concepcion.

Britain's ambassador to Chile, Jon Benjamin, said he had received no reports of British casualties. He said teams were flying in to assist his staff in Chile from the British embassy in Argentina and from London.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said: "I am shocked and saddened by the news of the earthquake in Chile, the second serious earthquake to affect the Americas this year. I send my deepest sympathy to all those affected.

"The UK will work with the Chilean government and other international partners to respond to what President Bachelet has described as a 'catastrophe'."