Chile considers building ban in coastal areas

Chilean Deputy Interior Minister Mahmud Aleuy said Monday that his country is considering a ban on the construction of infrastructure and buildings lower than 20 meters high in the coastal areas, after the earthquake and tsunami waves hit the country last week.

Local media quoted Aleuy as saying that "I think we need to have a definite discussion that our country will no longer construct new buildings lower than 20 meters in height along the coast. Every time there is an earthquake...We will face the same problem as a tsunami could hit the shores."

The epicenter was near the city of Illapel, 229 km north of capital Santiago. The quake has left at least 11 people dead and nine others injured.

The following tsunami caused serious damage to the buildings, flipped over cars and turned boats far into the land. The basements of some modern skyscrapers, and even the first or second floors were filled with water.

The United Nations has hailed Chile's response, saying such a major earthquake would have caused a devastating impact on other countries.

Although Chile did not shut down its airports and there was no major traffic disruption, Aleuy said "we must discuss how to build major private or public infrastructure. If not, there will be no way to properly address this issue." Endi