Chile quake damage estimated at $30 bn
By IANSFriday, March 12, 2010
SANTIAGO - Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has said property worth $30 billion damaged in the 8.8-magnitude quake in the country last month, Xinhua reported.
“The property losses caused by the earthquake and (the ensuing) tsunami are estimated at $30 billion,” Pinera said at a press conference Friday.
The Feb 27 earthquake damaged houses, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure.
Pinera said a readjustment has been made in the country’s annual budget after these events.
“We will use some international credits because Chile has a very low external debt,” he noted.
He announced the creation of a fund for the country’s reconstruction.
Pinera was sworn into office Thursday.
YOUR VIEW POINT
