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Aftershocks Continue In Chile

Aftershocks Continue In Chile – Chile’s new president, Sebastián Piñera, was minutes from being sworn in on Thursday when major aftershocks struck the central coast of this earthquake-ravaged country. But less than an hour after being inaugurated, he appeared on television to announce that troops, relief supplies and even Mr. Piñera himself would be heading immediately to the quake zone.

By responding aggressively to the tremors, Mr. Piñera appeared to be trying to avoid the missteps of his predecessor, Michelle Bachelet, whose initial response to a devastating earthquake last month was criticized as slow and ineffective.

Mr. Piñera said the government would “deploy all the troops that may be necessary” beginning Thursday evening to ensure public order on the streets. And in what appeared to be a pointed reference to Ms. Bachelet, he added, “This government will not hesitate one instant, nor wait one second to act.”

The strong aftershocks, up to a magnitude of 6.9, almost overshadowed the inauguration of Chile’s first right-wing leader in 20 years. But Mr. Piñera refused to acknowledge the tremors during the ceremonies, continuing to smile and shake hands with world leaders even as the National Congress building in Valparaíso shook and television light stands swayed.

Aftershocks Continue In Chile

Tags: Act, Aftershocks, Central Coast, Chile Chile, Congress Building, Devastating Earthquake, Inauguration, Initial Response, Magnitude, Michelle Bachelet, National Congress, New President, Pointed Reference, Predecessor, Quake Zone, Right Wing, Television Light, Tremors, Wing Leader, World Leaders
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