Many Killed and Cities Burning in Chilian Earthquake

Northern Advocate, 26 January 1939, Page 7

Many Killed and Cities Burning in Chilian Earthquake

(Received 12 Noon). NEW YORK, January 25. EARTHQUAKE OF DISASTROUS INTENSITY STRUCK CHILE SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT, SAYS A MESSAGE FROM SANTIAGO. REPORTS INDICATE THAT VERY HEAVY MATERIAL DAMAGE WAS CAUSED, SEVERAL SMALL TOWNS BEING DESTROYED, WITH SUBSTANTIAL LOSS OF LIFE. FIRES ARE BURNING IN SOME CITIES. A state of siege was declared in the TaJcahuano area, 250 mile's south of Santiago, when it was learned that 14 were known to be dead and 67 ■injured. •' ( A quarter of the city was destroyed. 1 The Government has ordered all amateur wireless operators to eo-op-erate by setting up an emergency communication network throughout southern Chile. ’ ■ Officials declared it would be days before the full extent of the disaster was known, ,

It is feared the greatest loss cf life would be in small communities far from centres Of communication. • ; ? ; i

The first Government motor rescue expedition left Santiago 4t 5 a.m.

The Minister of the Interior has taken over direction of the army, navy and police units throughout the area, and local authorities have been placed under Government orders. Danger of Crumbling Walls. Thousands of men, women and children have been , reported camping in parks and suburbs of the wrecked cities. Many are homeless and others are afraid to return since the slightest shock might cause the already weakened walls to crumble. Fires are burning in some cities. A message from the port of Concepcion, relayed by naval radio from Talcahuano, reports that half the centre of Concepcion was destroyed, and there are many dead and injured. The inland towns Parral, Angdl and Pailalleque were destroyed.

The Governor of Talcahuano has advised that fire is raging there. Telephone and telegraph communications with most of the affected area are cut off, and only the scantiest de-* tails are obtainable from amateur wireless operators. Widespread Incidence.

The shocks extended as far as Mendoza in the Argentine, where terrified townspeople ran out into the streets. Buildings in Valparaiso swayed and windows were broken. There were no

injuries.

A wireless operator near by recorded that a raging fire was visible in Concepcion, which otherwise was in darkness. Ten Thousand Dead. A later message says that perhaps half Santiago’s 40,000 inhabitants are believed to be casualties. The injured are piled in the streets and the entire city is wrecked. The United Press Chilean .representative who succeeded v in reaching the city reports that the death roll there will be at least 10,000,