An earthquake occurred in the coast of the Maule Region of Chile on February 27, 2010, at 03:34 local time, rating a magnitude of 8.8 lasting nearly four minutes.

At least 528 people killed, many injured and at least 500,000 houses damaged by the earthquake and tsunami in the Concepcion-Valparaiso area. Felt in much of Chile and Argentina. Also felt in parts of Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. A Pacific-wide tsunami was generated and caused minor damage to boats and a dock in the San Diego area, California.

Nearly half the regions in the country were declared "catastrophe zones", and curfews were imposed in some areas of looting and public disorder. The police were forced to shoot into the air in order to disperse mobs which, again, were stealing both necessities such as food and water and durable goods such as electronic devices and home appliances.

Figure: Earthquake aftermath in Chile
[Photo Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Chile_earthquake]

Leaders of many countries and intergovernmental organizations, including the United Nations and European Union, responded to the earthquake. Argentina, the United States, United Kingdom, People's Republic of China, Singapore, Haiti, and Pakistan were among the countries that responded earliest following the quake. Appeals for humanitarian aid were issued by the UK-based Oxfam, Save the Children and others.

Chilean television host Don Francisco led a telethon called Chile helps Chile with the goal to raise 15 billion pesos (about US$29 million) to build 30000 emergency houses.