Chile Earthquake Toll rises to 300, 2 Million affected

Santiago (Agencies): Breaking News! Even as the biggest-ever search operation is still going on, the death toll in the massive earthquake in Chile, has gone up to 300. At least 1.5 million homes were damaged in the quake, which measured at 8.8 on the Richter scale.

According to President Chile's President, Michelle Bachelet, two million Chileans have been affected by the 8.8-magnitude earthquake. Santiago and Concepcion were worst-affected by the quake.

Many buildings were razed to the ground. Highways were blown into pieces and bridges collapsed, disrupting the communication and transportation.

Tsunami waves hit Chilean coast and New Zealand following the massive quake. Tsunami alerts in Australia and Russia were later downgraded as the threat passed.

According to the US Geological Survey, Chile has recorded more than 51 aftershocks ranging from 4.9 to 6.9 since the quake. The European Union (EU) has offered three million euros in immediate assistance to quake-hit Chile.

The United States and other countries have also assured help to Chile, if required. Rescue and relief operations are going on full swing in all affected areas in the qquake-hit Chile.