After Chile’s earthquake and tsunami, 432 confirmed dead and 98 still missing

Chile: 432 dead and 98 missing after earthquake

SANTIAGO, Chile — Chilean officials have confirmed 432 people dead and 98 still missing after last month’s earthquake and tsunami.

The death toll has fluctuated in past weeks as officials struggle to find, identify and count victims across the region amid a change in government. The report delivered Tuesday is the latest but probably not the last attempt.

In the first week after the Feb. 27 quake, the estimated death toll rose above 800 due to double-counting among government agencies. By the March 11 inauguration, the outgoing government had set the count below 500.

The new administration has continued to refine the figure as remains are identified and causes of death are confirmed.