Health Professionals

Clinical Updates

1 March 2010

Earthquake in Chile

On 27 February 2010 at 3.34am local time, an earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 70 miles from the coastal city of Concepción, Chile [1]. At least 708 people are reported to have been killed [2]. Numerous aftershocks have also occurred [3], and many coastal towns in southern Chile have been damaged by tsunamis [4].

Although the city of Concepción has been most affected, the earthquake caused serious damage to the infrastructure of southern Chile with an estimated 500,000 homes damaged or destroyed. Electricity and communications are affected and access to healthcare is a concern [2].  A map of the affected areas is available on the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) website.

A state of emergency has been declared in the regions of Valparaiso, Santiago, O'Higgins, Maule, Bío Bío and La Araucania [2]. A night time curfew has been imposed in the Maule region and the city of Concepción [4]. Santiago airport was closed following the earthquake; reports suggest that it is due to reopen on 1 March 2010 [5].

Travel within Chile, particularly south of Santiago, is restricted due to damage to roads and infrastructure. Some roads, including parts of the Pan American Highway are partially blocked [5].

Advice for travellers

As of 1 March 2010, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising against all but essential travel to the affected areas of Maule and Bío Bío [5]. Public services, health care, communications and electricity are severely disrupted in the affected areas.

Travellers should consult the FCO for updated information on the safety and security of travel to the affected areas, as well as their tour operator and airline. The British Embassy in Chile has so far been unable to take calls. British nationals in Chile who require assistance should contact the FCO on +44 207 008 0000.

Country specific health advice for travellers to Chile can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information pages. General advice can also be found on the NaTHNaC Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disasters.

References

1. United States Geographical Survey Earthquake Hazards Program. Magnitude 8.8 – offshore Maule, Chile. 27 February 2010. [Accessed 1 March 2010]. Available at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2010/

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2. Pan American Health Organization. Informe de situación del Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia repotre #2. 28 February 2010. [In Spanish] [Accessed 1 March 2010]. Available at: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-83538B?OpenDocument&rc=2&emid=EQ-2010-000034-CHL

3. Pan American Health Organization. Emergency Operations Center situation report #1 Chile earthquake. 27 February 2010. [Accessed 1 March 2010]. Available at: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-833VXE?OpenDocument&rc=2&emid=EQ-2010-000034-CHL

4. Reuters – AlertNet. Chile troops impose curfew in quake-stricken towns. 1 March 2010. [Accessed 1 March 2010. Available at: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MUMA-8358BZ?OpenDocument&rc=2&emid=EQ-2010-000034-CHL

5. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Chile travel advice. Updated 28 February 2010. [Accessed 1 March 2010] Available at:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/content/en/travel-advice/north-central-south-america/chile/fco_trv_ca_chile

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