Chile earthquake toll: more than 700 dead, 2 million displaced

The death toll from Saturday’s 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile has risen to 708, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said.

Calling it an “unthinkable disaster,” Bachelet said a “state of catastrophe” in the hardest-hit regions would continue, allowing for the quick restoration of order and speedy distribution of aid.

Despite looting concerns in some areas, Bachelet said her government reached an agreement with the country’s major supermarkets that would allow them to give away basic foodstuffs they have in stock to those affected by the quake.

Thirty-six hours after the massive earthquake, distribution of electricity remained a key challenge, the president said.

More coverage from the Huffpo, the Associated Press and the BBC, which reports the post-quake tsunami has reached Japan. And The AP explains why, as devastating as the earthquake was for Chile, the result was less horrific than in Haiti.