Chile Travel Alert

Issued by US Department of State

Mar 02, 2010

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the situation in Chile in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, measuring 8.8 magnitude, that struck 73 miles north of Concepcion (Chile’s second largest city; pop. 650,000) and 197 miles south of Santiago. To date, more than 700 people have died in the natural disaster, hundreds were injured and there has been damage to thousands of homes and commercial properties. This replaces the Travel Alert issued on February 28, 2010 and expires on April 1, 2010.

U.S. citizens currently in Chile should contact family and friends in the US to confirm their well-being at the earliest opportunity. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to Chile. The February 27th earthquake caused significant damage to the areas closest to the epicenter, including the cities of Concepcion, Talcahuano and Temuco. Santiago, Vina del Mar and Valparaiso were also affected by power outages and limited telecommunications.

The Santiago International Airport has been closed to all but military operations since the earthquake. U.S. citizens who planned to depart Chile by air are advised to stay in place and wait for the return of international flights. In a meeting of the Chilean civil aviation authority (DJAC) on March 1, the authorities announced a two-phase restoration of airline service. During Phase One (March 3 – 5), domestic flights will arrive and depart from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM through temporary facilities at the airport. International flights will arrive and depart from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM. All international arrivals during Phase One will transit another Chilean airport to clear immigration and customs before arriving in Santiago. According to the DJAC plan, Phase Two will begin March 6 when the airport will return to round the clock operations, still operating through temporary facilities at the airport, but without the need for international arrivals to transit another Chilean airport before departing the country. Current information is available on the DJAC web site (www.dgac.cl). U.S. citizens are advised to work directly with their airlines to arrange for their departure.

Strong aftershocks are likely for weeks following a strong earthquake such as this one. The American Red Cross recommends that in the event of an aftershock, persons outdoors should avoid being struck by falling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse. If indoors, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON: Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Great care should be used with matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame in case of disrupted gas lines.

Contact Information:

For Americans living or traveling in Chile:

• Register with through the State Department's travel registration website to obtain updated information on travel and security within Chile.
• Register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Santiago

  U.S. Embassy Santiago
  Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes
  Santiago, Chile
  Phone: 56-2-330 30 00
  Fax: 56-2-330 30 05
  After Hours Emergency Line: (56-2) 330-3000
  Email: SantiagoAmcit@state.gov

• Chile Task Force phone number: 1-888-407-4747
• Chile Task Force email: ChileEarthquake@state.gov
• Please provide as much information about the individual (full name, birth date and birth place, location and contact information in Chile, any special circumstances) to assist us in locating the U.S. citizen.

For up-to-date information on security conditions:

• From inside the U.S.: 1-888-407-4747
• From outside the U.S.: 1-202-501-4444