The quake’s epicenter was in the Bio Bio region and the seismic movement affected the whole central-south area of the country.
At Maule province, bridges suffered structural damage and governmental authorities were unable to reach the quake’s most devasted areas to determine the actual scope of the tragedy.
Tsunami waves struck several coastal areas of Bio Bio and Maule. Hundreds of people living in the coast fled to the nearby hills. Unfortunately, they completely lost their homes and belongings.
Maule and Bio Bio have no basic services such as electricity, portable water, telephone network and Internet.
Chile’s main highway suffered severe damage in several parts.
Hospitals from the big cities of Parral and Talca suffered important structural damage.
Street riots and supermarket-looting are evident given the desperation of the people to get some food and safe drinking water.
Some fires have started, such as in the School of Chemistry at the University of Concepción.
Damaged roads and poor airplane access have greatly limited the support of the central government and NGOs such as World Vision. These have intensified social turmoil exacerbated by people´s post traumatic stress due to the constant daily aftershocks.
Many families do not want to go back to their homes and prefer to stay in streets and public parks.
Up to now, World Vision has sent to Lota, Coronel and Dichato the following:
3,000 individual rations of milk,
3,600 units of powdered milk bags,
1,276 diaper packs,
264 cookie bags,
3,000 individual juice boxes,
1,300 tuna fish cans,
1,000 kilograms of sugar,
5,000 liters of cooking oil,
1,000 kilograms of rice,
400 kilograms of spaghettis, and
1,000 kilograms of flour.
I WISH TO HELP!
Thousands of children and families are devastated by the earthquake in Chile. Your contribution will help our staff members rush emergency assistance to those in greatest need following the disaster.
How about making a positive impact this brand new year while travelling?
This fabulous February, be part of a 9-day heart and soul cycling experience in mystical Laos for a good cause! Read more
SK-II ‘LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE’ Campaign & Auction
SK-II Raising Awareness of Water Crisis in Asia with World Vision Singapore. Find out more
Join the Singapore team at World Vision International
Our team in Singapore is growing and we are looking for passionate and like-minded individuals to serve the poor along with us! Find out how you can help transform the lives of children, families and communities for the better.
