4 March 2010 -- Chile’s National Emergency Office now places the death toll from the 27 February earthquake at 799, with almost three-quarters of the deaths occurring in the Region of Maule. The earthquake-affected area of Chile encompasses six of the country’s 13 Regions and is home to 80% of the population. It also has 77% of the total hospital beds. Current government reports list 10 health facilities that are non-functioning or have been evacuated or flooded. The Minister of Health has stated that 10 temporary field hospitals will be up and running in the next 72 hours.
