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Chile quake affects two million, says Bachelet

28 February 2010 03:50 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. Two million people have been affected by the massive earthquake that struck central Chile on Saturday, President Michelle Bachelet has said, APA reports citing BBC.

In a TV address, she said the forces of nature were testing the nation.
So far at least 300 people have been confirmed killed in the earthquake that struck in the early hours of Saturday.

The 8.8 quake - one of the biggest ever - triggered a tsunami that has been sweeping across the Pacific, although waves were not as high as predicted.
"The forces of nature have badly affected our country," Ms Bachelet said.

"And once again they’ve 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 added that she had declared a state of catastrophe in six regions.
Chile is vulnerable to earthquakes, being situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where the Pacific and South American plates meet.