Bachelet urges Chile earthquake survivors to stay calm
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Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Chile's president has appealed for calm in the earthquake-ravaged city of Concepcion, vowing a stern response to any renewal of looting and violence.
Michelle Bachelet says 14,000 troops are now in the region, after dozens of looters were arrested.
As night fell curfews were imposed across four major urban centres in Chile, including an 18-hour curfew in one if its largest cities, Concepcion.
Some half a million people are homeless in a city now under military control.
The death toll from the 8.8-magnitude quake now stands at 795, officials say, but emergency workers also say 19 people are still unaccounted for.
One mayor, from Hualpen, near Concepcion, said many on the streets were more terrified of crime than aftershocks.
"The thugs have taken over the city. Now we are not afraid of the earthquakes, we're afraid of the criminals," Marcelo Rivera told a Chilean radio station.
Armoured vehicles have been positioned at stationed at strategic points across Concepcion and armed soldiers patrol the streets.
Groups of residents are reported to have gathered together to form vigilante groups to confront would-be looters.
Michelle Bachelet says 14,000 troops are now in the region, after dozens of looters were arrested.
As night fell curfews were imposed across four major urban centres in Chile, including an 18-hour curfew in one if its largest cities, Concepcion.
Some half a million people are homeless in a city now under military control.
The death toll from the 8.8-magnitude quake now stands at 795, officials say, but emergency workers also say 19 people are still unaccounted for.
One mayor, from Hualpen, near Concepcion, said many on the streets were more terrified of crime than aftershocks.
"The thugs have taken over the city. Now we are not afraid of the earthquakes, we're afraid of the criminals," Marcelo Rivera told a Chilean radio station.
Armoured vehicles have been positioned at stationed at strategic points across Concepcion and armed soldiers patrol the streets.
Groups of residents are reported to have gathered together to form vigilante groups to confront would-be looters.
But security in the city remains a key concern after shops and homes were looted on Monday and police made a large number of arrests.
The deteriorating security situation in Concepcion comes despite the influx of thousands of troops to reinforce local police.
"We can say that, according what we've been told from the area, the situation in Concepcion is under control today," President Michelle Bachelet said on Tuesday.
But, she added, authorities would take any "necessary measure" to stop renewed looting.
"Our principle objective is to go and help people tackle the emergency in the disaster zone.