Life is starting to return to normal in Chile, more than a week after the devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake, as most students are returning to school.

CBN News International Correspondent George Thomas reported from Chile via Skype to give a first-hand analysis of the impact from the quake.

Click play to watch the interview.

Monica Jimenez, Chile's education minister, said about 80 percent of students are back in the classroom. The rest have not been able to go back yet, because their school buildings were too badly damaged.

"By April 1, we expect to have regional school systems functioning 100 percent," said Miguel Rojas, Concepcion'a regional education director.

"Only schools that can guarantee water, power and safety for the children will be allowed to reopen," Rojas added. "School directors will have to personally sign documents proving they have fulfilled the requirements."

At least 30 cities and towns were hit hard by the quake and about 500,000 homes are too damaged to live in. More than 450 people were killed the quake and the tsunami that followed.