EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 January 1939, Page 7

EARTHQUAKE IN CHILE

HEAVY DAMAGE AND LOSS OF LIFE

SEVERAL TOWNS DESTROYED. FIRES BURNING IN SOME CITIES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK, January 25. A message from Santiago (Chile) reports that an earthquake of great intensity struck Chile shortly before midnight. Reports indicate that very heavy material damage has been done and that several small towns have been destroyed. Substantial loss of life is also reported. Fires are burning in some cities.

The United Press correspondent in Concepcion (89,072 inhabitants) by naval radio from the port of Talcahuano reported that the centre of the city was half destroyed by the shock. There are numerous dead and wounded.

It is also reported that Parral, Angol, and Pailalleque have been destroyed. The Governor of Talcahuano has advised that fire is raging there.

COMMUNICATIONS CUT REPORTS OF WIDESPREAD SHOCKS. VOLCANO IN ERUPTION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK, January 25. As a result of the severe earthquake in Chile, telephone and telegraph communications in the most affected area have been cut off- and the scantiest details are obtainable only from amateur wireless operators. The seismological observatory in Santiago reported a shock of the seventh intensity centreing between Concepcion and Tallan simultaneously with an eruption of the Quizapu volcano near Talca. The shocks extended as far as Mendoza in Argentina, where the terrified townspeople ran out into the streets.

Buildings in Valparaiso swayed and windows were broken but there were no casualties. A wireless operator in a nearby town reported that a raging fire was visible in Concepcion, which otherwise was in darkness.

TWO THOUSAND DEAD REPORT FROM CONCEPCION. Bj’ Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, January 25. An amateur wireless operator at Concepcion has reported that 2000 are dead and that 40 per cent of houses have been destroyed in an earthquake of great intensity which struck Chile shortly before midnight. It was the first direct word from Concepcion.