Thousands of Chilean troops are heading to the country’s devastated earthquake zone as reports emerge of desperate survivors turning to looting and arson, informs BBC News Tuesday.
President Michelle Bachelet said a total of 7.000 troops would soon be in place in areas around Concepcion, the city closest to the epicentre.
At least 723 people have been confirmed dead in the 8.8-magnitude quake.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to arrive in Chile shortly, as part of a pre-arranged tour.
Mrs Clinton is due to meet Mrs Bachelet, the country’s outgoing president, and President-elect Sebastian Pinera near Santiago airport, before departing for Brasilia, a state department official said.
Ms Bachelet said reinforcements would join the troops already in the provinces of Bio Bio and Maule.
Reports are emerging from the city of residents clashing with police as they lay siege to shops and supermarkets in the search for food.
CHILE QUAKE – LATEST
• Official death toll rises from 300 to more than 700
• Tens of thousands forced to live outdoors because of damaged homes
• Troops in Concepcion arrest 160 people as they try to stop looters stealing from shops
• One man shot and killed during looting disturbances
• Chile’s largest airline says to resume limited service from Santiago airport
