The death toll from the massive earthquake that struck Chile has risen to more than 700.

Chilean president Michelle Bachelet confirmed the numbers, as reports emerge of coastal towns devastated by the earth quake and tsunamis that followed.

President Michelle Bachelet announced the latest casualty figures, and said that the total was likely to rise. She called on both the public and private sectors to take part in the rebuilding effort.

Michelle Bachelet, Chilean President, said, "We are facing an emergency that requires an urgent and rapid response. Because of this, I want to make a call to all civil and military authorities, to all representatives of the private sector, and to other public institutions, to make themselves available to collaborate in this task."

(CCTV March 1, 2010)