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Chilean quake toll jumps to 708 Chilean quake toll jumps to 708
(10 minutes later)
The death toll from Chile's earthquake has more than doubled to 708 and is expected to rise further, President Michelle Bachelet has said.The death toll from Chile's earthquake has more than doubled to 708 and is expected to rise further, President Michelle Bachelet has said.
Previously about 300 people were estimated to have been killed in Saturday's 8.8 magnitude quake - one of the most powerful recorded.Previously about 300 people were estimated to have been killed in Saturday's 8.8 magnitude quake - one of the most powerful recorded.
Massive damage is hampering rescue teams as they struggle to reach those still buried in the rubble.Massive damage is hampering rescue teams as they struggle to reach those still buried in the rubble.
However a Pacific-wide alert for a tsunami has been lifted.However a Pacific-wide alert for a tsunami has been lifted.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ms Bachelet said: "The catastrophe is enormous. The latest number I have is 708 dead."Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ms Bachelet said: "The catastrophe is enormous. The latest number I have is 708 dead."
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She said 541 had died in Maule region, 64 in Biobio and 103 and other regions.She said 541 had died in Maule region, 64 in Biobio and 103 and other regions.
She added that the number of people missing was growing.She added that the number of people missing was growing.
Sleeping rough
Earlier, President Bachelet said two million people had been affected by the earthquake.Earlier, President Bachelet said two million people had been affected by the earthquake.
Many Chileans in affected areas have spent the first night since the earthquake outdoors, afraid to stay inside.Many Chileans in affected areas have spent the first night since the earthquake outdoors, afraid to stay inside.
In the central city of Concepcion, in the worst-hit area, police used tear gas and water cannon against looters at a supermarket.In the central city of Concepcion, in the worst-hit area, police used tear gas and water cannon against looters at a supermarket.
The mayor of the city said food was running out and the situation was getting out of control.The mayor of the city said food was running out and the situation was getting out of control.
Officials said 25 people were rescued from a collapsed building in Concepcion, but dozens who were believed to have been trapped inside were still unaccounted for.Officials said 25 people were rescued from a collapsed building in Concepcion, but dozens who were believed to have been trapped inside were still unaccounted for.
During Sunday news conference, Ms Bachelet announced a series of emergency steps:
  • The Maule and Concepcion regions are being placed under special rules to speed up the delivery of aid
  • The air force will fly supplies to both areas and the military will take a leading role in distributing them
  • In Maule and Biobio basic goods will be handed out free of charge. Distribution points are yet to be decided.
  • Electricity is a big concern and the government is working to guarantee distribution
Santiago's airport has reopened, with a total of five international flight due to arrive on Sunday. It had been closed because of damage to the terminal and control tower.