The Recent Earthquake

The recent devastating earthquake, thousands of times stronger than the one that hit Haiti, struck central Chile on February 27 2010.

More than two million people have been affected by what international media and records have described as one of the five strongest earthquakes ever on record.

But as the first realisation of destruction passed around the world, through television and the internet, the world subsequently prepared itself for the devastating waves that threatened the entire Pacific Rim. About 50 countries on the Pacific Ocean from New Zealand to Russia expected giant waves, in an anticipation of what occurred during the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster which killed more than 220 000 people in December 2004.

But the tsunami waves did not prove to be as high or as destructive as some had expected.

"The power of nature has again struck our country," Chilean president Michelle Bachelet said, cited by international media.

"We are once again put to the test, our ability to deal with adversity and get back on our feet. And we are examining every way to restore all the basic services in the country. But there's still a lot to do" Ms Bachelet said

She said that six of Chile's 15 regions are currently declared "catastrophe zones" in the aftermath of the quake.

The current official death toll stands at about 300 people and it is apparent that Chile is coping considerably better with the disaster than Haiti.