Chile leading the way to decrease earthquake devastation

Americas Now

Chile is a country used to earthquakes. The 9.5 magnitude earthquake in 1960 is the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the 20th century.

Now Chile is spending millions of dollars every year in earthquake monitoring as well as developing technology to mitigate the effects of future quakes.

Its strict building code, early warning system and social network communication have saved millions of lives during earthquakes.

There is still no way of actually predicting “when” an earthquake might hit, but advances in technology are making the earthquake-prone regions of South America, a safer place to live.

Correspondent Harris Whitbeck reports from Chile.

Watch his piece here to see earthquake preparedness measures taken by the country and how Chile is sharing new findings with other Latin American countries.

Chile leading the way to decrease earthquake devastation

Chile is a country used to earthquakes. The 9.5 magnitude earthquake in 1960 is the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the 20th century. Now Chile is spending millions of dollars every year in earthquake monitoring as well as developing technology to mitigate the effects of future quakes. Its strict building code, early warning system and social network communication have saved millions of lives during earthquakes. There is still no way of actually predicting "when" an earthquake might hit, but advances in technology are making the earthquake-prone regions of South America, a safer place to live. Correspondent Harris Whitbeck reports from Chile. Watch his piece here to see earthquake preparedness measures taken by the country and how Chile is sharing new findings with other Latin American countries.