Two GW students studying at the GW Latin America study center in Santiago, Chile are safe and accounted for after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile Saturday, according to a University statement.

Two more students were supposed to leave for Chile this coming week, but their departure from the United States will be delayed, University spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard said.

The epicenter of the earthquake was 70 miles northeast of Concepcion and 200 miles southwest of Santiago. According to an Associated Press story on Sunday, the earthquake has killed at least 708 people.

“The George Washington University extends heartfelt condolences to the people of Chile affected by Saturday’s earthquake,” President Knapp said in a statement Saturday.

The University will continue to monitor developments in the aftermath of the earthquake and will determine if other members of the GW community have been affected, the statement said.

GW Latin America’s primary host institution in Santiago is the Universidad de Chile.