Chile to Evacuate Fjord Hit by Waves
Pastor Dale Morgan
Apr 23, 6:15 PM EDT
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Chile to Evacuate Fjord Hit by Waves
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By EDUARDO GALLARDO
Associated Press Writer
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- The government said Monday it will evacuate
residents and businesses from the banks of a fjord in southern Chile
where 10 people were swept away by 26-foot waves following a powerful
earthquake.
At least three people died when they were engulfed by the massive waves,
which were triggered by a 6.2-magnitude quake that sent avalanches of
rock crashing into the water at the base of Aysen Fjord. Rescuers were
searching Monday for the other seven people.
Experts warned that the fjord is unsafe because of continuing seismic
activity in the area. There have been hundreds of quakes in the region
since Jan. 22, most too weak to be felt. But Saturday's quake opened
cracks in the ground and rattled residents.
Seismologist Oscar Aranda, who is investigating the quakes for the
government, recommended that people not remain at the base of the fjord.
Only a few people actually live along the fjord, a narrow inlet of water
surrounded by rocky cliffs, but more than 120 people work there in the
salmon industry.
Interior Minister Belisario Velasco said the government is in
discussions with salmon industry executives to arrange for operations to
be transferred elsewhere.
President Michelle Bachelet on Sunday visited Puerto Aysen, a city close
to the fjord about 1,700 miles south of the Chilean capital of Santiago,
where she was met by hundreds of angry residents who claim the
government is not paying attention to their needs.