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Chilean President Estimates
Earthquake Damage At US$ 30 Billion
SANTIAGO de CHILE - Chilean President
Sebastian Piñera said on Friday that the
property damage caused by the 8.8- magnitude
earthquake that hit the country on Feb. 27
was estimated at 30 billion U.S. dollars,
when announcing the budget readjustment for
this year.
"There are not definite amounts, but the
property losses caused by the earthquake and
(the ensuing) tsunami are estimated at 30
billion dollars," Piñera said at a press
conference.
"The damage is present on houses, hospitals,
schools, infrastructure and production
systems, among others," Piñera said.
Piñera announced a change of the country's
budget for this year and a readjustment in
his government's program due to the latest
events.
"We will use some international credits
because Chile has a very low external debt,"
Piñera noted.
He said: "When the circumstances change, the
priorities change, and the governments have
to change their priorities." He announced
the creation of a fund for the country's
reconstruction.
Piñera was sworn into office just on
Thursday.
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