2010 Chile Earthquake: Facts, Helping, and How to Find People

Early Saturday morning, February 27, 2010 at 3:34am, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake occurred on the Chilean coast near Maule. This is in south-central Chile near Concepción.

This map, from the USGS, shows how the effects of the quake covered a big portion of central Chile which is where the majority of the population lives:

Reports indicate that a tsunami struck near the epicenter within 30 minutes of the quake, causing even more damage and loss of life.

As of March 3rd, the death toll had risen beyond 800 people and this is expected to rise.

The greater Concepción area is the second most populous urban area in Chile and sustained massive damage, which is being made worse by looting. All the while, rescue efforts are underway to help people that are believed trapped in the rubble.

Chile continues to feel aftershocks, some of which are above 6.0 in magnitude. These are expected to continue for months.

How to Help

The Chilean Red Cross (la Cruz Roja) was one of the first aid groups on the ground helping after the earthquake.

The Chilean Government and the Chilean Red Cross have only requested specific help, so if you choose to donate to aid groups please note that the money may not reach Chile immediately.

Many charities will likely come into Chile during the reconstruction phase. If you want your money to go to the long-term recovery of Chile, many of the charities currently soliciting funds will likely get there eventually. Please do your due diligence before donating so you really know where your money is going.

If you want to make sure your aid goes straight to Chile right now, I recommend you donate directly to the Chilean Red Cross.

As per the Chilean Red Cross website www.cruzroja.cl, you can donate via bank transfer here:

Banco Estado
Cuenta corriente Nº 362883
Cruz Roja Chilena
Rut: 70.512.100-1
e-mail: finanzas@cruzroja.cl

How to Find People in Chile

Google has a website up where you can search for people or offer information if you have any:
http://chilepersonfinder.appspot.com/

Additionally, there is a great online forum at allchile.net where a community of expatriates is helping to locate and relay information.

You can also look for people here: http://www.tconnections.net/chile/

Chile Will Survive

Chileans have a long history of overcoming trials and disasters. They will overcome this one, too. Your help and prayers will aid in that recovery.

Viva Chile!

Posted March 2nd, 2010 in In the News.