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Couple traced after Chilean quake Couple traced after Chilean quake
(9 minutes later)
A Scottish couple who had been missing in Chile after Saturday's massive earthquake have been traced in the country's capital Santiago.A Scottish couple who had been missing in Chile after Saturday's massive earthquake have been traced in the country's capital Santiago.
The families of Kirsty Duff from Stonehaven, and Dave Sandercock from Edinburgh, had anxiously awaiting news from the couple, who are both 24. The families of Kirsty Duff from Stonehaven, and Dave Sandercock from Edinburgh, had been anxiously awaiting news from the couple, who are both 24.
Mr Sandercock's sister Ellie has now said they have arrived in Santiago safe and sound. Mr Sandercock's sister Ellie has now confirmed they have arrived in Santiago safe and sound.
They had been posted as "missing" on a website in the resort of Pichilemu.They had been posted as "missing" on a website in the resort of Pichilemu.
Mr Sandercock and Miss Duff, who are keen surfers, arrived in the country three weeks ago and were thought to have been staying at a bed and breakfast in Pichilemu. Mr Sandercock and Miss Duff, who are keen surfers, arrived in Chile three weeks ago and were thought to have been staying at a bed and breakfast in Pichilemu.
Ellie Sandercock had left messages on social networking site Twitter appealing for help.Ellie Sandercock had left messages on social networking site Twitter appealing for help.
She wrote: "People are posting on Facebook from there, yet no news from my bro Dave Sandercock. Can anyone help?"She wrote: "People are posting on Facebook from there, yet no news from my bro Dave Sandercock. Can anyone help?"
In another entry she said she was "desperate for news" of the pair, who last made contact on Thursday 25 February.In another entry she said she was "desperate for news" of the pair, who last made contact on Thursday 25 February.
Saturday's earthquake has killed more than 700 peopleSaturday's earthquake has killed more than 700 people
Just before 2100 GMT, Ms Sandercock confirmed: "Thrilled to announce that Dave Sandercock & Kirsty Duff are safe in Santiago. Massive relief all round!"Just before 2100 GMT, Ms Sandercock confirmed: "Thrilled to announce that Dave Sandercock & Kirsty Duff are safe in Santiago. Massive relief all round!"
In a statement the families added: "We have been in direct contact with Kirsty and Dave and can confirm that they are safe and well.
"We wish to thank all of those who have offered support and assistance during this difficult time. We hope that all other families find their loved ones soon."
Details of Mr Sandercock and Miss Duff were posted on the website Google Person Finder, which was set up for families who were concerned about relatives caught up in the earthquake.Details of Mr Sandercock and Miss Duff were posted on the website Google Person Finder, which was set up for families who were concerned about relatives caught up in the earthquake.
The Surfer's Cottage, an eco-cottage for surfers in Pichilemu, also appealed for information about missing people on its website.The Surfer's Cottage, an eco-cottage for surfers in Pichilemu, also appealed for information about missing people on its website.
The company said the area was not badly damaged but there is no energy and telephones are not working properly.The company said the area was not badly damaged but there is no energy and telephones are not working properly.
UK charity workers were expected to arrive in Chile to help survivors.UK charity workers were expected to arrive in Chile to help survivors.
Staff from Oxfam were due to touch down in the South American country after the magnitude 8.8 quake which has so far killed more than 700 people.Staff from Oxfam were due to touch down in the South American country after the magnitude 8.8 quake which has so far killed more than 700 people.
Troops were sent out on Sunday in a bid to stop people desperate for food and water from looting.Troops were sent out on Sunday in a bid to stop people desperate for food and water from looting.
Severely damagedSeverely damaged
About 1.5 million Chileans were affected by the tremors, which caused buildings and roads to collapse and left 500,000 homes severely damaged.About 1.5 million Chileans were affected by the tremors, which caused buildings and roads to collapse and left 500,000 homes severely damaged.
But fears a tsunami would wreak further devastation across the Pacific proved unfounded with waves failing to cause serious problems.But fears a tsunami would wreak further devastation across the Pacific proved unfounded with waves failing to cause serious problems.
President Michelle Bachelet has declared a "state of catastrophe" in central Chile.President Michelle Bachelet has declared a "state of catastrophe" in central Chile.
Jeremy Loveless, Oxfam's deputy humanitarian director, said: "Access to the affected area is often difficult during the first 24 hours after an earthquake and it is deeply frustrating that it can take some time to get our staff to where they need to be.Jeremy Loveless, Oxfam's deputy humanitarian director, said: "Access to the affected area is often difficult during the first 24 hours after an earthquake and it is deeply frustrating that it can take some time to get our staff to where they need to be.
"Until our team has been able to reach the affected area and complete an early assessment, we are unclear how we will best be able to assist the thousands of people affected by the quake.""Until our team has been able to reach the affected area and complete an early assessment, we are unclear how we will best be able to assist the thousands of people affected by the quake."
About 65,000 British tourists visit Chile each year, according to the country's tourist authority.About 65,000 British tourists visit Chile each year, according to the country's tourist authority.
Britain's ambassador to Chile, Jon Benjamin, said he had not received any reports of British casualties.Britain's ambassador to Chile, Jon Benjamin, said he had not received any reports of British casualties.