Cablegate: Mgci01: Chile Earthquake Situation Report No. 2

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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 018596

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO MARR PREL PINR AMGT CI
SUBJECT: MGCI01: CHILE EARTHQUAKE SITUATION REPORT NO. 2

STATE 00018596 001.2 OF 002

PRESIDENT OBAMA OFFERS CONDOLENCES, ASSISTANCE
--------------------------------------------- -

1. (U) President Obama expressed condolences to President
Bachelet, commended the Government of Chile's disaster
response, and stated the United States stands ready to
assist with rescue and recovery efforts. (Reuters)

2. (SBU) Ambassador Simons spoke to Chilean Foreign
Minister Fernandez and offered three disaster response
teams - one from SOUTHCOM and two from USAID/OFDA. The
Ambassador also offered a SOUTHCOM medical team and
short-term financial assistance, including $50,000 from
the Ambassador's disaster assistance funds and $100,000
from SOUTHCOM. The Government of Chile is still
assessing the situation and will advise. (Ops/Embassy
Santiago e-mail)

DEATH TOLL CONTINUES TO RISE, CHILE ASSESSING SITUATION
--------------------------------------------- ------------

3. (SBU) There are 214 confirmed fatalities with more
expected. The death toll is expected to be in the
hundreds. (AP, Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

4. (SBU) There are no reports of AmCit deaths; two AmCits
sustained minor injuries. Post reports 5,000 registered
American citizens in Santiago and 500 in the vicinity of
Concepcion. (Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

5. (SBU) All but one official American has been accounted
for. The Air Force employee is believed to be out of the
country. (Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

6. (SBU) The airport in Santiago is closed due to
significant damage to the terminal. There is no damage
to the runway, and a decision on when to reopen is
expected February 28. (Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

7. (SBU) The airport in Concepcion is closed for
commercial flights, but is supporting military
operations. (Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

8. (SBU) Cellular and landline phone service continues to
be intermittent. Internet and e-mail services are
working. (Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

SOUTHCOM PROVIDES IMAGERY ASSISTANCE
------------------------------------

9. (SBU) SOUTHCOM supplied requested imagery of
earthquake-impacted areas to the Chilean government.
(Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

USAID OFFERING COMMUNICATION ASSISTANCE
---------------------------------------

STATE 00018596 002.2 OF 002

10. (SBU) At the Chilean government's request, USAID is
loaning Chile six to eight satellite phones with an
initial two weeks of service. USAID is working with
Chile to coordinate delivery. (Ops/Embassy Santiago
telcon)

EMBASSY STRUCTURALLY SOUND, BUT FLOODING AFFECTS COMMO
--------------------------------------------- ---------

11. (SBU) There is no structural damage to the Embassy,
but flooding from chillers on the roof damaged
communication, and cooling systems are not working.
Department of State classified computer systems are
offline. The Embassy is on minimize status for cable
traffic. (Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

COUNTRY CLEARANCE REQUIRED
--------------------------

12. (SBU) Post reminds all U.S. government officials to
obtain country clearance through normal procedures before
traveling to Chile. (Ops/Embassy Santiago telcon)

TSUNAMIS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC BASIN
--------------------------------------------

13. (U) Modest tsunamis continue to make landfall. The
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center canceled the tsunami alert
for Hawaii. (Reuters, AP)

CHILEAN ATHLETES DEPART OLYMPICS EARLY
--------------------------------------

14. (U) According to press reports, three Chilean
athletes and team coaches are leaving the Olympics early
to return home to their families. (washingtonpost.com)

15. (U) Additional updates are available through our
Intellipedia portal on the unclassified system at:
https://www.intelink.gov/wiki/Portal:State_Op s_-
_Chile_Earthquake_2010.

16. (U) Minimize considered.
CLINTON

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