GOVERNMENT'S ACTIONS

When dealing with grave disasters and natural catastrophies, the leading role of the government is indispensable. Chile's constitution clearly nails down the responsibilities of the central government in disaster events.

After the 33 miners were trapped some 700 meters underground after a collapse at the San Jose gold and silver mine in northern Chile on Aug. 5, Chile pledged its care of the miners would not end for at least six months, not until they could be sure each miner had readjusted.

Chile's police, army and fire depertment and local governments at various levels cooperated in the rescue effort.

On Aug. 7, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera immediately halted his visit to Colombia and rushed to the mine to offer his support to relatives of the trapped miners and supervise the rescue operation.

At the same time, Chilean authorities organized a rescue team with clearly divided responsibilities and professional expertise, including rescuers, medical workers and a specialized lab in charge of designing rescue equipment.

The rescue capsule, named Phoenix for the mythical bird that rises from ashes, was built by Chilean navy engineers.

Chile also invited a team of NASA experts to participate. They provided input on helping the miners cope with confined space and rationed food.

Describing the experience as "a wonderful night that Chileans and the whole world will never forget," Pinera said the rescue operation was unprecedented in history because of its magnitude and complexity.