Tocopilla, Chile, November 14, 2007 Residents camp out about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the epicenter of a major earthquake this week.

More than 15,000 people were left homeless when the magnitude 7.7 quake and its aftershocks destroyed 4,000 housesmany beyond repair.

(Related story: "Quake Leaves 15,000 Homeless in Chile" [November 15, 2007].)

Many residents refused to go to shelters, because the people feared their homes would be looted if left unattended.

"We slept in the car, because we have to care for whatever the quake didn't destroy," another resident, Luis Porcel, told the Associated Press.

 More Photos in the News
 Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
 Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"