By: Caribbean World News Monday March 01,

Prime Minister Patrick Manning has extended his sympathy to Chile, in wake of the massive earthquake which struck around 3.30 am on Saturday.

The severe magnitude 8.8 tremor struck Chile near to its second largest city, Concepcion, and more than 700 Chileans are reported dead, so far. Manning said in a release: “On behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, I express my deepest regret and sympathy at the tragic earthquake which struck the Republic of Chile.” Manning also indicated that he would be in touch with President Michel Bachelet Jeria at the earliest opportunity to convey the sadness of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and to offer support.

Present Bachelet Jeria had visited T&T only last week to hold bilateral talks with the government, and during a joint news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, one of the items discussed was Chile’s recent efforts to improve its disaster preparedness, in wake of the 7.0 magnitude Haiti earthquake on January 12. Trinidad and Tobago had, at that time, indicated it would do well to learn some lessons from Chile in this area.

The release also expressed, at this time of great sorrow for the people of that country, T&T can only hope those measures which were put in place by President Bachelet and her government have borne fruit. The release also said his government would continue to monitor the situation in Chile very closely as more details became available. The public would be informed about what steps should be taken.