20100228 Chile counts cost of earthquake as tsunami fears ease

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk Chile has begun to count the cost of its deadly 8.8 magnitude earthquake as nations around the Pacific eased their fears of a devastating tsunami. The quake, on Saturday morning, killed at least 300 people - 90% of them in their homes. It is feared the damage may cost tens of billions of dollars. Aftershocks have continued to rock Santiago and other areas. On Sunday morning a powerful 6.1 tremor north of the city of Talca added to the terror of survivors - although it caused no major damage, BBC regional correspondent Daniel Schweimler said. The epicentre of the quake was 115km (70 miles) north-east of Concepcion and 325km south-west of Santiago. Most of the collapsed buildings were of older design - including many historic structures. About 90% of the historic centre of the town of Curico was destroyed. Many roads and bridges across the affected area were damaged or destroyed. Chile has so far not requested aid despite offers of assistance from the US, China, the EU, the UN and others.