Global disasters
A massive earthquake struck central Chile at 06:34 (GMT) on Saturday 27 February, killing at least 711 people and affecting more than two million. The quake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, was the country's biggest in 50 years and has caused widespread damage to buildings, bridges and roads, and has cut electricity, water and phonelines. The quake occurred 115 km (70 miles) north-east of Chile's second largest city, Concepcion, and 325 km south-west of the capital Santiago, where aftershocks rocked buildings just hours after the quake. High waves hit several Pacific countries after the quake triggered a tsunami, including French Polynesia, which saw waves of 1.8 m sweep ashore, and residents in Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand were warned to move to higher ground. However, all tsunami warnings have now been lifted - Japan lifted its warning on the morning of Monday 1st March. At least five Brits staying at an eco-cottage for surfers in Pichilemu, central Chile, have been reported as missing, and Taiwan has reported three overseas compatriots missing. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs officials in Canada are concerned for 255 missing Canadians - about 5,000 Canadians live in Chile with about 1,000 in the area hit by the quake. The search for survivors continues. Elsewhere, at least 50 people have been killed after storms swept parts of Spain, Portugal and France. Winds reached speeds of 140 km (87 mph) along with torrential rain, while huge waves and strong gusts battered coastal towns, flooding many inland areas. Wind speeds hit 175km/h at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
A massive earthquake struck central Chile at 06:34 (GMT) on Saturday 27 February, killing at least 711 people and affecting more than two million. The quake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, was the country's biggest in 50 years and has caused widespread damage to buildings, bridges and roads, and has cut electricity, water and phonelines.
The quake occurred 115 km (70 miles) north-east of Chile's second largest city, Concepcion, and 325 km south-west of the capital Santiago, where aftershocks rocked buildings just hours after the quake.
High waves hit several Pacific countries after the quake triggered a tsunami, including French Polynesia, which saw waves of 1.8 m sweep ashore, and residents in Hawaii, Tahiti and New Zealand were warned to move to higher ground. However, all tsunami warnings have now been lifted - Japan lifted its warning on the morning of Monday 1st March.
At least five Brits staying at an eco-cottage for surfers in Pichilemu, central Chile, have been reported as missing, and Taiwan has reported three overseas compatriots missing. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs officials in Canada are concerned for 255 missing Canadians - about 5,000 Canadians live in Chile with about 1,000 in the area hit by the quake. The search for survivors continues.
Elsewhere, at least 50 people have been killed after storms swept parts of Spain, Portugal and France. Winds reached speeds of 140 km (87 mph) along with torrential rain, while huge waves and strong gusts battered coastal towns, flooding many inland areas. Wind speeds hit 175km/h at the top of the Eiffel Tower.