February 28, 2010
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the situation in Chilein the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, measuring 8.8 magnitude,that struck 73 miles north of Concepcion (Chile’s second largest city;pop. 650,000) and 197 miles south of Santiago. More than 700 peopledied in the event, hundreds were injured and there has been damage tothousands of homes and commercial properties.
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourismand non-essential travel to Chile. The February 27th earthquakecaused significant damage to the areas closest to the epicenter,including the cities of Concepcion, Talcahuano and Temuco. Santiago,Viña del Mar and Valparaiso were also affected by power outages andlimited telecommunications. The Santiago International Airport hasbeen closed to all but military operations.
U.S. citizens currently in Chile should contact family and friends inthe US to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Whereinternet and telephone services are not available, it may be possibleto contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms ofsocial media such as Twitter and Facebook.
Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a strong earthquakesuch as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the eventof an aftershock, persons outdoors should avoid being struck byfalling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows,buildings, and other structures that may collapse. If indoors, DROP,COVER AND HOLD ON: Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, andprotect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there isno table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wallaway from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Great care should beused with matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame in case ofdisrupted gas lines.
Americans living or traveling in Chile are encouraged to register withthe nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department'stravel registration website to obtain updated information on traveland security within Chile. Americans without Internet access mayregister directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Byregistering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy orConsulate to contact them in case of emergency.
U.S. Embassy Santiago
Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes
Santiago, Chile
Phone: 56-2-330 30 00
Fax: 56-2-330 30 05
After Hours Emergency Line: (56-2) 330-3000
Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions bycalling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. andCanada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For information ongeneral crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consultthe Department of State's Country Specific Information for Chile aswell as The Worldwide Caution located on the Bureau of ConsularAffairs website.
Seehttp://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State DepartmentTravel Warnings