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109071
Sun, 02/28/2010 - 17:53
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http://m.oananews.org//node/109071
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Thailand expresses condolences to quake-hit Chile
BANGKOK, Feb 28 (TNA, Agencies) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday sent a letter of condolence on behalf of the Thai government and people to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet over Saturday's massive earthquake as the death toll rises above 300 and two million persons were affected.
In a message addressed to the Chilean leader, Mr Abhisit expressed heart-felt condolences to Chileans especially the families affected by Saturday’s massive earthquake which caused many deaths and extensive property damage.
“Thailand is certain that Chile’s experience and preparedness in disaster management will result in the country’s prompt recovery," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit said in his letter, emphasisng that Thailand stands ready to help Chile alleviate the calamity.
In the meantime, Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Priomya also offered condolences to his counterpart Mariano Fernandez Amunategui, Chilean foreign affairs minister.
Mr Kasit also said he wished the livelihood of Chileans to restore to normalcy soon and pledged to aid the quake victims.
Early Saturday, a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake with its epicentre in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of central Chile struck the country. The epicentre of the tremor was 325 kilometres southwest of the Chile’s capital of Santiago.
The Chilean president said she had declared a state of catastrophe in six regions.
Ms Bachelet said the government had not asked for assistance from other countries. If it does, US President Barack Obama said, the United States will help. Around the world, leaders echoed his sentiment.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has recorded numerous aftershocks, the largest of 6.9 magnitude.
The airport terminal in Santiago was damaged and will be closed for at least 72 hours, officials said. Flights are being diverted to Mendoza in Argentina.
The 8.8 quake-- one of the world's biggest ever-- triggered a tsunami that swept across the Pacific, but its waves were not as high as predicted. (TNA, Agencies)
In a message addressed to the Chilean leader, Mr Abhisit expressed heart-felt condolences to Chileans especially the families affected by Saturday’s massive earthquake which caused many deaths and extensive property damage.
“Thailand is certain that Chile’s experience and preparedness in disaster management will result in the country’s prompt recovery," Thai Prime Minister Abhisit said in his letter, emphasisng that Thailand stands ready to help Chile alleviate the calamity.
In the meantime, Thai Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Priomya also offered condolences to his counterpart Mariano Fernandez Amunategui, Chilean foreign affairs minister.
Mr Kasit also said he wished the livelihood of Chileans to restore to normalcy soon and pledged to aid the quake victims.
Early Saturday, a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake with its epicentre in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of central Chile struck the country. The epicentre of the tremor was 325 kilometres southwest of the Chile’s capital of Santiago.
The Chilean president said she had declared a state of catastrophe in six regions.
Ms Bachelet said the government had not asked for assistance from other countries. If it does, US President Barack Obama said, the United States will help. Around the world, leaders echoed his sentiment.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has recorded numerous aftershocks, the largest of 6.9 magnitude.
The airport terminal in Santiago was damaged and will be closed for at least 72 hours, officials said. Flights are being diverted to Mendoza in Argentina.
The 8.8 quake-- one of the world's biggest ever-- triggered a tsunami that swept across the Pacific, but its waves were not as high as predicted. (TNA, Agencies)
