The official death toll for Chile's devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami jumped Sunday to 708, President Michelle Bachelet told reporters here. The toll is expected to rise further, she said outside a meeting with top emergency officials, as “there are a growing number of missing persons.” The United Nations said Monday it would begin rushing aid deliveries to Chile after the government officially asked for help in its recovery from this weekend's massive earthquake. Chile's international airport won't reopen for another 48 hours due to quake damage, although some commercial planes have been landing under “exceptional circumstances,” authorities here said. “The airport's runways function perfectly, but the terminal has fuel supply problems and its electronic systems are not working,” said Chilean air force commander Ricardo Ortega. “It is hoped” the airport will be able to reopen in 48 hours, Ortega said, adding that flights meant for Santiago were being diverted to other airports further north in Antofagasta and La Serena.
