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International Community Pledges Support for Chile Following Quake

   VOA News 27 February 2010
   Police  officers  and residents of Talca, Chile, search for victims in
   the  rubble  of  a  destroyed  house  Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, after a
   powerful earthquake struck central Chile

Photo: AP

   Police  officers  and residents of Talca, Chile, search for victims in
   the  rubble  of  a  destroyed  house  Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, after a
   powerful earthquake struck central Chile

   The   international  community  has  been  swift  to  respond  to  the
   8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile early Saturday.
   Through  a  spokesperson, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon expressed
   his  condolences for the loss of life in the earthquake. He said he is
   seeking  an  assessment  on  the  situation  from  the U.N.'s Economic
   Commission  for  Latin  America  and  the  Caribbean which is based in
   Chile's capital, Santiago.
   In  the  U.S.  White  House  spokesman Robert Gibbs issued a statement
   saying  the situation, including the potential for a tsunami, is being
   closely monitored and that thoughts and prayers are with the people of
   Chile.  Gibbs'  statement  says  the U.S. stands ready to help in this
   hour of need.
   The  European  Union's  Commissioner  for Humanitarian Aid, Kristalina
   Georgieva,  says  her  commission  has  been  working  with  the  EU's
   delegation  in  Santiago  to  assess  the  situation  and coordinate a
   humanitarian response.
   The  U.S.  State  Department  has  provided  a  phone number for those
   seeking  information about family and loved ones in Chile. That number
   is 1-888-404-4747.
   Secretary  of  State  Hillary  Clinton had been scheduled to travel to
   Chile  as  part  of  a  South  American  visit next week. A department
   spokeswoman, Megan Mattson, said Saturday that no decision on changing
   the secretary's trip has been made.

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