International LAN Chile (LA) flights continue to arrive into Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL). Authorities are working towards opening the airport for international departures by March 5. There is still no confirmation on when domestic flights will be operational. As of 1400 Feb. 28, officials are announcing 723 dead and 19 missing, with the majority of deaths occurring in Chile's Bio-Bio (XIII) region. At the LAN office in Valdivia, police have responded to a tense situation, where many travelers are grouped outside the office trying to determine the status of their domestic flights. LAN Chile offices located south of Santiago could become focal points for frustrated travelers. Looting in Concepcion continues despite a dawn to dusk curfew and an increased presence of police and soldiers. Military leaders directing soldiers in the Bio-Bio region will begin patrolling surrounding villages. Reports from Concepcion indicate that more soldiers will be required in the short-term to ensure public security. Looters have begun breaking into retail stores and continue to steal basic food from supermarkets in the area. The Chilean government has converted Concepcion's Carriel Sur (CCP) airport into a military base and will likely funnel aid supplies through the airport. Reports indicate that the Chilean Navy has arrived in Concepcion to deliver more aid. There is a report of one man shot to death in Chiguayante, 11km (7 miles) south of Concepcion. There have been numerous break-ins in this area. The countryside around Concepcion, including the towns of Chiguayante, Lota and Coronel could become more dangerous in the next 48 hours. As of 1400, Chile's Minister of Energy reported that electricity will soon be restored across the country. Problems persist with transmission lines, many of which were destroyed. Cell phone and fixed line communications in Concepcion and the Bio-Bio region remain extremely limited. Authorities are reporting an established route from Santiago to destinations south, connected via a combination of primary and secondary roadways. Transportation, however, remains severely limited. Route 5, south of Santiago, remains severely damaged, but commercial bus line Tur Bus is offering passenger service from Santiago to Talca, Chillan and Concepcion. It is working with partner companies to establish service between Santiago and Puerto Montt. Santiago and Valparaiso still have rubble in the streets, but both cities are up and running. Some 70 percent of light and water services have returned in Valparaiso. A section of southern Santiago is without power and water, but services are expected to be restored in the next 48 hours. Metro operations in Valparaiso remain suspended, but have returned to nearly 100 percent in Santiago. Towns and villages north of Concepcion on the coast are the most destroyed and, along with Concepcion, remain without electricity, food or water. The Health Ministry is reporting that nine hospitals in the Bio-Bio region are not operating, including hospitals in Talca, Chillan and Curico. Some field hospitals have been established in Concepcion, and severely wounded patients are being transferred to hospitals offering full services. Private clinics have opened to offer limited services to the public. Avoid towns and cities on the coast north of Concepcion, as well as Muele, Concepcion, Talca, Chiguayante and Chillan. Closely monitor local media and follow the instructions of authorities. Vacate multistory buildings and stay away from low-lying coastal areas until tremors subside. Use caution around unreinforced buildings that might have suffered structural damage. Avoid unnecessary travel along Route 5. If telecommunications are down, try using SMS text messaging or social networking sites to communicate. Our Corporate Travel Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need immediate assistance and your company has a designated Egencia Travel phone number, please call that number directly. If you do not have a designated number, in the U.S. please call us at 1-866-397-2677 or 1-702-939-2530. When traveling outside the U.S., please refer to the following, use the following local international customer service numbers. You can also reach us via e-mail by using our "support and feedback" form. Help and guidance resources are readily available in our Egencia Travel Support Center.

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