Chilean president appeals for help

Michelle Bachelet, the outgoing president of Chile, has appealed for international help in the aftermath of a massive earthquake which left at least 708 people dead.

In a televised address to the nation on Sunday, Bachelet said Chile is facing a “catastrophe” of unthinkable magnitude.

She also pledged to help the incoming government of Sebastian Pinera, the president-elect who takes office on March 11, in dealing with the crisis.

“We’re making an appeal right now for us to collaborate and to do what we’re supposed to do at this hour,” she said.

“The government is going to work non-stop until the final day of our government, till the 11th of March, when the handover of the government is going to take place.

“We understand that the future government will need to have all the information and I’m going to cooperate with them as much as I can.”