[190915.EN.BIZ] Chile Declares State of Emergency After Quake - Some Ports Closed

CHILE's government has declared a state of emergency in the central region after last week's earthquake that took the lives of more than a dozen people and caused massive disruption to transport, reports GAC Hot Port News.

The 8.3-magnitude quake struck off the coast of Coquimbo, 46 kilometres west of Illapel, resulting in a tsunami sending waves half a metre higher than usual as far north as La Punta.

All ships were ordered to leave port ahead of a possible tsunami. All terminals remained closed until the authorities evaluated the situation.

Pilots were only allowed embarkation and ship-to-ship lightering operations were permitted at Quintero.

Status of Chilean ports on September 18 were reported as Arica, closed due to bad weather, Antofagasta has been on strike since August 31, Coquimbo & Guayacan declared inoperative by Maritime Authority while structural evaluations take place.

The following ports were open and working under normal conditions: Patache, Iquique, Mejillones Bay, Tocopilla, Huasco, Chanaral, Caldera, Los Vilos, Quintero, Valparaiso, San Antonio, Talcahuano, San Vicente, Coronel, Lirquen, Corral, Puerto Montt, Calbuco, Puerto Chacabuco and Punta Arenas.

Source : HKSG.