A Second Tragedy in the Americas: Earthquake Tests Chile’s Resilience
Ray Walser /
Less than two months after the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, another Hemispheric neighbor has fallen victim to the ravages of nature. The earthquake that struck Chile in the early hours of February 27 measured 8.8 on the Richter scale and was one of the most powerful quakes in a century.
Again as they did in response to the massive Haiti earthquake, the American people stand with President Barack Obama in expressing condolences and in offering support to the Chilean people in face of such a horrific natural disaster.
Chile is an important friend of the U.S., a robust free trade partner, and a vibrant democracy with respect for representative democracy and individual rights. It possesses a professional military and police force capable of responding to the current disorder and disruption caused by the massive devastation of the earthquake.