Massive Earthquake in Chile

A Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief team has begun to distribute relief supplies in the hard-hit city of Constitución, Chile, which was devastated by the massive earthquake and a subsequent tsunami.

The team, headed up by British national Daniel Zeidan, arrived around midnight Tuesday after a 54-hour drive from the Samaritan's Purse office in neighboring Bolivia. They set up camp Tuesday morning, and after coordinating with government officials quickly began giving out desperately needed aid.

The items distributed include food, water, 250 blankets, baby food, and other infant care items. The team reports that there is a great need to provide assistance for infants and small children.

The team ise coordinating with churches in nearby Concepcion to organize communal feeding centers. They also have begun purchasing non-food and infant care items, and are assessing how we can best supply clean water to the affected population.

At least 350 people were killed in Constitución when the massive earthquake struck before dawn Saturday. The region of Maule, where the city is located, still has no electricity, sewage or potable water. A state of emergency was declared. Houses have been destroyed, cars flipped, and large fishing boats washed onto land.

The quake was measured at a magnitude of 8.8 and centered just off the coast near Concepcion, the second largest city in Chile. Major damage was reported 200 miles away in the capital city of Santiago. It hit at 3:34 a.m. local time Saturday, February 27 (1:34 a.m. Eastern Time), while many people were asleep in their homes.

“The earthquake has impacted a huge part of the nation, with the worst part being from Santiago and south,” said Rafael Fuentes, the coordinator of the Operation Christmas Child leadership team in Chile. “Many houses, buildings, bridges, and roads were destroyed. The situation in Concepcion and surrounding areas is very bad with no water, food, or fuel. Because of the lack of electricity, grocery stores, gas stations, and telecommunications are not working.”

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said Sunday that the quake killed at least 708 people. As many as 2 million Chileans were affected and 500,000 homes severely damaged. Calling it an "unthinkable disaster," Bachelet said a "state of catastrophe" in the hardest-hit regions would continue, allowing for the quick distribution of aid.

“This will take a great effort from all sectors, public and private,” she said.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
o Pray for the rescue of earthquake survivors.
o Pray for survivors as they mourn the loss of loved ones.
o Pray for the safe arrival of more team members to distribute relief items.
o Give to our emergency relief fund and help us to respond quickly to future disasters in places like Chile or Haiti.