Global General

Strong aftershock makes many sleepless in Chile

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-03-16 17:15

CONCEPCION, Chile - Even for Chileans who have become used to aftershocks since the February earthquake, the 6.7-magnitude quake that hit near the coast of Concepcion Monday night was terrible enough to deprive many of shut-eye.

The latest aftershock struck shortly before midnight when the quake-torn city, with its streets deserted because of a curfew, was as quiet as a tomb.

But the curtain of silence was torn in a split second: The dilapidated buildings started shaking wildly as the ground shook strongly for about a minute. Street lights flickered, then went out.

The ensuing blackout plunged the city into darkness again after a massive power outage Sunday night affected most of the country. Telephone communication was also interrupted in the brief commotion.

Local residents broke the curfew as they rushed out of buildings, seeking safety. People who slept outside for fear of an aftershock were awakened abruptly, and the once-quiet streets suddenly filled with daytime noise.

In Pengo, a city north of Concepcion, more and more people joined the crowds and fled to the nearby hills, fearing that a tsunami could follow. Frequent minor tremors after the deadly calamity last month had hardened local people's nerves as they fled -- they were tense, but not hysterical.

Local radio reports said the aftershock was felt in several regions, and people braced themselves against possible tsunami attacks. Broadcasters urged the panic-stricken public to remain calm, as no tsunami alert has been issued so far.

The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicenter of the strong aftershock at 34 km deep in the Pacific and 72 km northwest of Concepcion.

The latest aftershock was one of over 200 that have rocked the South American nation since the February 27 megaquake. The devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunamis late last month killed about 500 people and tore up roads and towns.

It caused an estimated 30 billion U.S. dollars worth of damage to infrastructure, houses and industry, the Chilean government said last week.

So far, it is still unclear what losses the latest aftershock has inflicted on Chile, as the quake-torn country is still trying to revover from the Feburary quake.