Just weeks after a devastating earthquake sparked a humanitarian crisis in Haiti, another natural disaster has hit the South American nation of Chile. Early Saturday morning, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, the fifth strongest ever measured in the country, occurred off of Chile’s coast, causing massive destruction throughout the region. At least 100 aftershocks of magnitude 5.0 or greater have hit since the quake, complicating relief efforts significantly. The death toll has already topped 700, and is expected to rise as aid workers scramble to reach the areas hit hardest. “We’re facing an unthinkable catastrophe that will require an enormous effort in resources,” said Chilean President Michelle Bachelet in a televised address. [click to continue…]
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