Background

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit central Chile on Saturday 27 February, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific. The official death toll has reached almost 500 people, with a further 79 missing. Two million have been affected and 1.5 million houses have been damaged. Almost 300,000 people are living in camps or outdoors. The earthquake was followed by over 100 aftershocks.

Extensive damage to basic services, buildings, bridges, airports, hospitals, and other infrastructure left much of the country with irregular electricity, water or telecommunications, especially in the south.

In coastal cities, a tsunami sent many people into the hills and away from their homes and communities.

Chile is prone to large earthquakes. After the 7.7 quake in northern Chile in November 2007, World Vision was one of the first responders in the area and set up a Child Friendly Space— a safe and secure place for children to recover —to serve the needs of the quake's youngest survivors.

Download the Chile country profile.

World Vision’s response

World Vision's relief activities have reached over 1,792 families to date with food, water or shelter. As part of the relief effort, World Vision has provided:

• 1,000kgs of flour, sugar, rice, spaghetti and tuna, and 2,500 litres of oil to affected families in San Carlos and San Ignacip
• 2,500 litres of water and 1,000 blankets to families in Dichato
• More than 400 tents to families in Lota and Dichato regions
• 14,800 hygiene kits distributed
• 38 Child Friendly Spaces have been set up with plans to add 37 more

With the initial emergency response phase now over, World Vision plans to focus on the reconstruction of affected communities with over 500 emergency houses to be built in Lota and Coronel, two areas devastated by the earthquake. World Vision also plans to meet the basic and urgent needs of over 17,000 families in affected areas.

World Vision has been working in Chile for 30 years and runs 16 long-term development programs, supporting more than 100,000 people within the country's poorest, most marginalised communities.

Children sponsored by Australians

World Vision has 5 Australian-funded Area Development Programs (ADPs) in the earthquake zone.

World Vision staff on the ground have confirmed all sponsored children have been accounted for. Please be assured that if we receive information of concern regarding any sponsored children we will contact sponsors immediately.

Operations in affected ADPs are beginning to return to normal activities. However, there may be some delays in correspondence.

How you can help

Support for the Emergency & Preparedness Fund enables World Vision to prepare for emergencies by pre-stocking and positioning life-saving supplies and ensuring trained staff are available to be on the scene quickly, to respond to emergencies.

Find out more about our Emergency & Preparedness Fund or donate now.