Major Aftershocks Reported In Chile

Reports are coming in of serious earthquakes hitting the already ravaged country of Chile as the Chilean government was inaugurating its president. A 5.1 quake preceded the larger 7.2 quake:

Two quakes actually - a 7.2 and a 6.9 - occurred within minutes of each other:

MAP 6.9 2010/03/11 14:55:30 -34.222 -71.954 28.0 LIBERTADOR O'HIGGINS, CHILE
MAP 7.2 2010/03/11 14:39:48 -34.290 -71.950 35.0 LIBERTADOR O'HIGGINS, CHILE

With those kinds of aftershocks, significant damage could occur, particularly to those buildings previously damaged. The country is already having issues trying to cope with the damage from the massive 8.8 magnitude quake, so this will further complicate relief and recovery efforts. The upside from these two aftershocks is that they were deeper underground and aren't likely to transmit as much energy to the surface and structures as a more shallow quake would, limiting the scope of damage.