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ChileUpdate on CHILE earthquakeAfter last weeks 8.8 magnitude earth quake, the country is still suffering from aftershocks. On Saturday alone, 6 earthquakes aftershock rocked parts of the country. The roughest had a 5.1 magnitude.In terms of airports, things are on and off—though the airport in Santiago had attempted to reopen last week, the realities of the after shocks and other aspects of the quake are delaying normal air traffic. Make sure to check with your airline if you are supposed to be flying in the country. Both the red cross and UN supported programs have been doing their best to bring air in, though there is still a lack of clean water access and lack of hospital resources. At this point there are 452 known deaths, with several hundred people still missing. If you are interested in supporting efforts, check out organizations like ShelterBox, the red cross, and Save The Childrens local efforts. Those organizations themselves may offer volunteer on the ground opportunities as well, but if not could put you in contact with direct relief projects. Posted March 08. 8.8 earthquake* As many of you have read, Chile just experienced a large earthquake measuring an 8.8 on the Richter scale. As a result of the quake, over 700 people have died and 1,500 buildings have collapsed. Following the earthquake, tsunami warnings were released for parts of Chile, Perú and Hawaii. Many smaller coastal towns in Chile were in fact hit by big waves—a small village called Constitution, for example, has been almost completely destroyed. * In terms of travel, make sure to keep your eyes open for after shock or tsunami warnings for the pacific coasts in the next few days. As time progresses, simply be aware that your travel in Chile may be affected by destroyed infrastructure or roads, especially in and around the epicenter area (Concepción, south of Santiago along the coast). While some flights were delayed in the days immediately following the quake, everything seems to be rapidly returning to normal at this time. * For more information about how you can help, check out the Huffington Posts website which has a list of NGOs working in the area.
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GeneralitiesOnce having discovered it, travelers return to Chile again and again. Some go to visit the Lake District, others to fish for the world-famous trout. The attractions of this beanstalk of a country are seemingly endless—boat rides through the fjords, the sea kayaking, the rodeos, mountain climbing. Its breathtaking national parks are legendary, starting with Lauca in the north and stretching southward with , Puyehue, Vincente Perez Rosales, and on to Torres del Paine, the jewel in the crown of the Andes. There’s also the as well as the giant statues of Easter Island that attract anthropologists, explorers from all over the world. And of course, many travelers seek out the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, where Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, survived being marooned for many years. More? Chile claims a large piece of the Antarctic, which can be visited. Or, the Atacama in the north is the world’s driest desert, and attracts visitors to its ghost towns, beaches, and prime fishing sites. And that’s just for starters. We could mention La Serena, the famous observatory, the Chiloe, the wild and wooly island near Puerto Montt, the enormous open pit copper mine of Chuquicamata, and the glorious vineyards which produce some of the world’s best wines.
The view from the roof of the Radisson Hotel in Santiago. NB. Do not let the door shut behind you, otherwise you will have the embarrassment of having to be rescued by hotel staff! Even more embarrassing when you are not staying there!!Jackie Aliste |
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