Earthquake aftershocks rock Chile's presidential ceremony

Two earthquakes hit central Chile today as dignitaries arrived for the inauguration of president-elect Sebastian Pinera.

The US Geological Survey said the first quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 and the second registered at 7.2.

Both rocked buildings and shook windows in the capital, Santiago, and in the coastal city of Valparaiso, were guests were arriving for the ceremony at the congressional building.

Bolivian president Evo Morales seemed briefly disoriented. Peru's Alan Garcia joked that it gave them "a moment to dance".

Today outgoing president Michelle Bachelet said she was leaving Chile in good shape for Mr Pinera, having resolved some the country's most urgent needs in the wake of the devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake which killed hundreds.

"I'm leaving office with sadness for the suffering of our people, but also with my head held high, satisfied with what we have accomplished," she said.

Mr Pinera planned to visit the town of Constitucion, where the first earthquake struck on 27 February, shortly after his swearing-in.