Global General

Quake-torn Chile prepares for inauguration of new president

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-11 10:31

SANTIAGO - Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Wednesday did her last round of duty before vacating her office for the swearing-in of President Sebastian Pinera.

Bachelet's last day in office started with a field tour of Bucalemu, one of the areas hardest hit by the February 27 earthquake.

The incoming president will have to start his tenure by dealing with the aftermath of the 8.8-magnitude quake.

The Bachelet administration already asked relatives of those still unaccounted for in the quake to report details of the missing, which will help authorities locate and identify them.

"It is necessary to present an ID, personal and contact information as well as information about the missing people," an interior ministry statement said.

Chile has so far identified 497 quake deaths. Some 500 are still reported missing.

Both the outgoing and incoming presidents were busy Wednesday, meeting with foreign diplomats and local government officials before the inauguration and take-over on Thursday.

Quite some foreign missions came not only for the inauguration, but also to express their solidarity with the Chilean government and people in face of the deadly earthquake.

Bolivia on Wednesday sent 46 tons of milk powder to Chile to help those still suffering from the quake aftermath.

Such international institutions as the International Labor Organization and the Inter-American Development Bank also sent representatives to attend the inauguration.

The swearing-in of the new president is to be celebrated late on Thursday with a solidarity soccer match dedicated to the victims of the earthquake.

A silent tribute will be paid to the victims at the beginning of the match.