The first rescue party to start for the earthquake zone was a squadron of several dozen large bombers which carried medical supplies to Talcahmano, naval base near Concep-cion. The naval base was reported to have been badly damaged. The planes were prepared to drop the supplies by parachute if damage to the Talcahmano and Concepcion airports prevented landing.
President Aguirre Cerda left aboard one of several special trains carry doctors, nurses and medical suppl to the south. The President planned to take personal charge of central relief headquarters to be established in the heart of the devastated area.
Reports from Talea said the local
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