Clinton visits earthquake-devastated Chile to offer US support

Clinton in quake-hit Chile to offer support

SANTIAGO, Chile — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton brought satellite phones and a promise of more aid Tuesday to earthquake-ravaged Chile as it recovers from the deadly disaster that has killed hundreds and displaced many more.

At a news conference with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Chile, Clinton said the U.S. would also send water purification systems and a mobile field hospital with surgical capability that is “ready to go.”

Bachelet said Chile needs satellite phones, temporary bridges, field hospitals with operating capability, cash donations to buy food and medicine, generators, water purification systems and autonomous dialysis systems. In rural areas, she said, the need was especially great.

“We have these things in our country, but how can we get them to the people if we don’t have bridges and roads?” Bachelet said.

Distribution of supplies is being done, but “we need to do it very fast and get it to the remotest corners of the country and get it there soon,” Bachelet said.

Clinton said the U.S. is “ready to help in any way” that Chile requests. She brought with her 25 satellite phones and said they are the first batch of 62 satellite phones that have been identified as a priority for the U.S. to send to Chile.

Clinton said the U.S. will send eight water purification systems and a mobile field hospital with surgical capability that is “ready to go.” She said the U.S. is trying to find the dialysis machines Bachelet mentioned as well as generators, portable bridges, portable kitchens and helicopters.