The United Nations says that Chile has asked the international community to provide aid after the 8.8-magnitude quake.

Chile formally made the request on Monday, said a UN humanitarian spokesperson, adding that the UN would help deliver aid to Chile.

The 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Chile on Saturday, killing at least 708 people and leaving hundreds of others missing. Over 2 million people were affected by the temblor and more than 1.5 million buildings were damaged or destroyed.

Some estimates put the total damage at between US$15 billion and US$30 billion, equal to 10 percent to 20 percent of Chile's gross domestic product.

Leaders of many countries including China, the United States, Russia, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Mexico, Germany and Nicaragua have sent their condolences to the government and people of Chile while expressing their willingness to provide relief aid.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2010)