Chile sacks official over tsunami alert

[dipsydoodle]

Chile has sacked the head of its oceanographic service following the earthquake and tsunami that killed about 800 people.

The service, part of the Chilean navy, has been widely criticised for failing to issue a nationwide tsunami warning immediately after the quake.

The navy has also launched an inquiry into how the disaster was handled, a government statement said.

Meanwhile three powerful aftershocks rattled Chile on Friday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8552989.stm

[Judi Lynn]

1. Argh. The photo accompanying the article looks a little scary.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk.nyud.net:8090/media/images/47424000/jpg/_47424001_008893552-1.jpg

Goddawful thought, a boat that size in the street!

Thanks.

[VanW]

2. Good.

The decision to send evacuees back to the danger zone right before the tsunami hit undoubtedly cost lives. The people responsible should be punished.

Unlike some places I could mention, this punishment might actually happen.

[rabs]

3. Have mixed thought about this

The earthquake hit at 3:34 in the morning, in total darkness. There was much confusion over the initial magnitude, where it had been centered, telephone and cell lines were down. There was confusion between the Navy and the ONEMI (Office of Emergencies) in the intital two or three hours.

Still, guess a scapegoat had to be found because as you say, many lives were lost as a result.

[Mika]

4. In this day and age, it is incomprehensible.

Glad that the leadership of Chile's gov took action and removed those responsible from position, they weren't given bonuses, nor promoted, nor a presidential "good job Brownie". Fired.

---

[VanW]

5. I understand it was confusing

But why not err on the side of caution? It wasn't a secret that the earthquake was massive.

If this is just scapegoating, then that would be inappropriate, I agree.

[rabs]

6. Video of maremoto (tsunami) in the coastal town of Dichato

Houses, boats, cars, buses being swept away. Also shows how the ocean had retreated and a man says "Another one is coming." Young lady says there was a house with two men on top but that they could do nothing to help.

Don't know what exact time this was but it had to be as daylight was breaking.

http://www.3tv.cl/index.php?m=video&v=10660