Earthquake in Chile
On 27 February 2010, at approximately 3.35 a.m. local time, an earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck the country of Chile. The epicentre was located 63 kilometres southeast of Cauquenes in the region of Maule (406 kilometres south from Santiago). As a consequence, the tsunami which was generated affected a coastal strip of more than 500 kilometres.
A woman walks along a street filled with debris caused by a major earthquake in Constitucion 1 March 2010. Photo source: Reuters/Ivan Alvarado
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a preliminary emergency appeal for €4.7 million (6.4 million USD/7 million CHF) to support the Chilean Red Cross Society (CRCS) relief operation for people affected by the strong earthquake. “The funds will be used to provide 15,000 families with relief goods, tents and tarpaulins as well as a field hospital, generators, water and sanitation teams and logistics support over the next six months” said Noel Wardick, Head of the International Department.
According to the latest government figures, more than 720 people have died, and at least 1.5 million people have been affected. As assessments continue, the death toll is expected to rise. The government has declared a state of emergency in six central regions, Maule, Bio Bio, Valparaiso, Metropolitana, Libertador O’Higgins and Araucania. Strong aftershocks continue to rock the country.
The government has carried out aerial and land assessments, deployed emergency response units to the affected areas, opened collective centres to house survivors, distributed food and generators, set up field hospitals and mobilized water units and machines to clear the debris. Communications and electricity are slowly being restored as assessments continue.
The Chilean Red Cross, working in close coordination with the National Office of Emergencies and Information (ONEMI), deployed its emergency response teams within four hours of the earthquake and deployed some 120 volunteers from the headquarters in and around Santiago.
“Our colleagues from the Chilean Red Cross have been distributing food, hygiene articles and blankets to survivors and have called upon the population to donate blood to supply the hospital network” explained Mr. Wardick.
Donations are urgently needed to help the people of Chile
Please make a donation online
Or call 1850 50 70 70
Send cheque or postal order made payable to Irish Red Cross, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
