A word from the Australian Red Cross about the Chilean Earthquake

Chile earthquake & tsunami 2010

• On Saturday 27 February 2010 an earthquake measuring 8.8 hit Chile 90 km from Concepcion with more than 128 aftershocks and ten of them measured up to 6.0.
• Water systems and electricity are not functioning, communication is limited and it is difficult to access the affected area by road.
• Australian Red Cross does not have an appeal seeking donations as we have not been requested to provide financial support, however, the situation is still being assessed. We will pass along any donations received to Chile Red Cross. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
• Immediate needs:
• Search and rescue and identification of victims
• Electricity (distribution is the major problem) and water purification equipment
• Medical assistance
• Clearing of debris and structural damages
• Building and housing assessments
• Re-establishment of communication, seek solutions for road travel
   

Situation

A tsunami affected the port of Talcahuano in the region of Bio Bio causing major damage to the port and the population. 

The President of Chile declared an exceptional constitutional state of catastrophe for 30 days in the regions of Maule and in the province of Concepcion. 

The death toll stands at 708 but with thousands missing this number is expected to increase.  In the cities of Concepcion, Talca and Curico no hospitals are functioning. The government will install field hospitals and will launch a health campaign.

Red Cross positioning

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a lead player in responding to disasters wherever they occur around the globe. Australian Red Cross, through its links with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), plays a major role in that response.

Red Cross response

Red Cross is working closely with the Chilean government in the first responses. 

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