Strong Earthquakes Shake Central Chile

A Small Part Of Santiago, Chile Yesterday, Dec. 18,2008, the central part of Chile, including the capital city of Santiago, as well as the countries main port city of Valparaiso was shaken by an earthquake magnitude 6.3 on the Richter scale. The initial earthquake was followed by a second quake of 5.8 Richter degrees, according to the USGS. After shocks continued today with smaller quakes being felt in Santiago this morning. Head of the Chilean Emergency Office (ONEMI) Carmen Fernandez said that "there are no reports of damages due to the quake. It's part of a normal seismic activity."

Dakar Race Official Kick Off in Chile

Etienne Lavigne officially launched the Dakar Rally in Chile yesterday in the marvelous set of the French Ambassy in Santiago. More than 200 people (media, competitors, partners, officials) came up to listen to the presentation of the director of the Dakar and of Francisco Vidal, Ministre general secretary of the government of Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile.
Vidal renewed all of his support to the rally talking about the great “showcase” that the Dakar will represent for Chile.

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An extreme adventure between two oceans, the Dakar 2009 is off to discover a new continent, South America, that offers unlimited possibilities to amateurs of wide open spaces. The round trip to Buenos Aires, via Valparaiso, Chile is a challenge in which the most enduring competitors will find their way and have the opportunity to distinguish themselves. With close to 6,000 kilometres of challenges and difficulties scattered over the whole course, the battle for the title will remain wide open until the finish. From: dirtnewz.com