Massive Earthquake Rocks Chile as New President is Sworn In

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the South American country of Chile, just minutes before Sebastian Pinera was sworn in as president. The tremor was centered in O'Higgins Region about 90 miles south of the city of Valparaiso where the inauguration took place. It was the largest aftershoc since February's devastating 8.8-magnitude quake. Shortly after the inauguration, the National Congress building was evacuated and a tsunami alert was issued for coastal areas.

Pinera's presidency marks the end of two decades of left-wing rule in the country. He takes over for the highly-popular Michelle Bachelet, who left office with an 84% popularity rating. As president, Pinera now faces the additional challenge of reconstruction. The February quake and resulting tsunami killed more than 500 people, and left more than 500,000 homeless.

The earthquake Thursday shook buildings, and people rushed to the streets. So far there have been no reports of damages. The National Emergency Office is warning people in coastal areas from Coquimbo (500km north of Santiago) to Los Lagos (1,000km south of Santiago), to seek shelter in higher ground in case of a tsunami. However, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said that the aftershocks were too small to cause a "destructive widespread tsunami."

The inauguration ceremony in the port city of Valparaiso was intended to be a grandious affair. However, out of respect for victims of the quake, the planned dinner was cancelled and the event was scaled back.