CHILE: Earthquake victims bed down without water and electricity in northern Chile

Earthquake victims in northern Chile bedded down on the streets one day after a strong quake killed 2 people and left thousands homeless. In the earthquake-ravaged regions of northern Chile, thousands of victims readied for bed on Thursday (November 15), without electricity, water or their beds. Hours after President Michelle Bachelet toured the town of Tocopilla, residents popped open their tents and climbed in. Wednesday's 7.7-magnitude earthquake collapsed homes and large buildings, killed two people and left over 15,000 homeless. As the sun set, Segundo Alvarez said the situation was desperate. "In a little while, it'll be night. There's no light, nor is there water. The children will practically be sleeping outdoors," he said. The earthquake cut electricity, water and telecommunications to the town. Children curled up in blankets and slept under cold desert skies. Resident Patricia Hernandez said the government hasn't done enough to help the town. "They haven't brought us water," she said. "The authorities haven't been present either when they see the help we need." Wednesday's large quake was felt in neighboring Peru and Bolivia, as well as the Chilean capital of Santiago.

ITN Source | November 16, 2007

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