Sebastian Pinera (2nd R, Front) waves to audience at the Congress house in Valparaiso, Chile, on March 11, 2010. Sebastian Pinera was sworn in as earthquake-stricken Chile's new president during an austere ceremony on Thursday. [Xinhua]

A man looks at the ceiling at the Congress house in Valparaiso, Chile, on March 11, 2010. Sebastian Pinera was sworn in as earthquake-stricken Chile's new president during an austere ceremony on Thursday. Outgoing President Michelle Bachelet placed the presidential sash on Pinera's shoulders at 12.18 p.m. local time, about 40 minutes after strong aftershocks, one of which measured 7.2 on the Richter scale and lasted 45 seconds, rattled the country. [Xinhua]