SANTIAGO, Chile (transcendmagazine.com) -- As many of you know, a major earthquake of 8.8 hit Chile at about 4am local time. It was centered about 300km south of Santiago, near Concepcion. There are Tsunami warnings for the coast of Chile, Peru and all the way to Hawaii.
Many foreigners are in the area for the second international DH race in as many weeks. We have managed to get in touch with a few friends on the ground, and are told that all foreign riders who are staying in Farallonnes, on La Parva Mountain, are ok. There is no power, no cell service and no internet; so the conclusion was simple, they have gone to ride bikes. A couple of riders are staying in Santiago with friends, they are also ok.
The road down the mountain as well as the airport are currently closed, so they may be stuck in Chile a few more days than expected.
Our thoughts go out to the wonderful people of Chile. Stay tuned for any updates we get in concerning any of the riders in town for the event.
Feel free to leave a comment if you want to leave word for a loved one, or are trying ot get in touch with anyone.
UPDATE: Andrew Neethling: "yes am ok...thx for the worry, crazy experience and was luckily high up in the mountains..now hoping airport opens so can get home....wild.."
UPDATE: Dave Trumpore (USA) is currently at La Parva, outside Santiago. "Major earthquake here in Chile. We are all ok, just a very bumpy ride last night. Pretty bad scene in the cities and the coast... Lots of damage, and airport will be shut down for at least 2 or 3 days minimum."
UPDATE: Word from a friend who just drove down is that the road down from La Parva is now open, and the rockslides discussed below are clear.
Polc (SVK) and Van Dine (USA) discuss the quake they just went through in Chile.
UPDATE: Just spoke with Polc and CVD via skype discussing things. Video shortly.
UPDATE: Filip Polc has advised us that the airport may be closed for up to 72 hours at this point, delaying everyone's flights home.
Awesome job with the updates and videos! Keep them coming and keep up the good work!
Fraser...Thanks so much for the updates.
We love you James, please contact us if possible.
jaja cvd echo caca!