Chile Earthquake

Note: The following appeal is now closed.  You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross

 

On February 27 a major earthquake with an 8.8 magnitude occurred in Chile. According to preliminary reports, authorities estimate more than 700 people have died and two million people have been affected. 

The Chilean Red Cross is a member of the governmental emergency response group, which is leading the response.

Your support is needed

The International Federation of the Red Cross has launched a preliminary appeal for $7 million to support Red Cross relief efforts in Chile. Funds raised 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.

Canadians are encouraged to make a donation  online, by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 or at any local Red Cross office. Cheques can be earmarked “Chile Earthquake”.

Red Cross response

The Chilean Red Cross deployed its emergency response teams within four hours of the earthquake as well as 120 volunteers in and around Santiago. They have been distributing food, hygiene items and blankets from emergency stocks to survivors.

The International Federation’s regional representative arrived in Chile on Feb. 28 and joined the Chilean Red Cross in an aerial assessment of the most affected areas, including the coastal zones hit by a tsunami. In addition, its Pan American Disaster Response Unit, based in Panama, is deploying a team to provide technical support in the fields of damage assessments, health, logistics, relief, shelter and information management. Global and regional emergency response teams, including delegates from the Canadian Red Cross, are on standby, ready to be deployed, as needed.

Read more:

Missing family in Chile