Chile lowers earthquake death toll to 452, with 96 still missing

Chile lowers death toll from February quake to 452

SANTIAGO, Chile — Chile is lowering the confirmed death toll from its February earthquake to 452 victims.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter says 96 people are still missing. The previous estimated death toll was 497.

The government on Friday announced school repairs and other reconstruction efforts that are the focus of an initial $112 million in aid.

The 8.8-magnitude quake and tsunami on Feb. 27 caused an estimated $30 billion in damages.

About a million students have been unable to return to classes because of damage to buildings.

About 800,000 Chileans were left homeless by the quake.