Caritas Mobilizes Aid for Chile Quake Survivors

Caritas Chile mobilized to assist with humanitarian efforts after the 8.8 earthquake struck the country on Saturday. The death toll has now reached 700.

SANTIAGO, Chile (Caritas Chile) - Caritas in Chile is mobilizing to help survivors after a massive earthquake struck Saturday near the second largest city, Concepción. The quake measured 8.8. It has killed hundreds and devastated large parts of the country leaving two million people affected.

Bishop Alejandro Goic, President of the Chilean Episcopal Conference, said that parishes and local Caritas centers have been put into action to help affected people. The first emergency aid is being distributed in Maule and Bío Bío, the worst affected regions.

Caritas Chile Director Lorenzo Figueroa said, "Caritas Chile is working in coordination with governmental and civil society organizations in establishing a national help network in spite of enormous communications difficulties.

"We are collecting food to be sent immediately to communities which have been most affected by the earthquake and where shortages are already being reported. Our own communications network and capacity to offer warehouses and points of collection and distribution are immediately available.

"The magnitude and depth of the catastrophe which has affected the poorest regions of the country will require the support of Caritas members in Latin America and worldwide. Above all, hope is needed among our suffering people."

Meanwhile, a Caritas emergency response and search and rescue teams are travelling to Santiago today to help support relief efforts. The emergency team is composed of international and Latin American staff, including the Humanitarian Director Alistair Dutton and Hector Hanashiro of Caritas Peru. The Mexican search and rescue team recently worked in Haiti as part of Caritas relief efforts.

Caritas Internationalis President Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga said, "Caritas Chile and the bishops are keeping us updated on the needs of the people. Chile has faced a terrible catastrophe. The Caritas confederation will be there in support of the survivors in this initial phase of emergency response and as they look to rebuild the country."

Caritas centres in 23 dioceses and archdioceses in Chile have been mobilized with help from the parishes. They are Antofagasta, La Serena, Santiago, Concepción, Puerto Montt, Arica, Iquique, Copiapó, San Felipe, Valparaíso, Melipilla, San Bernardo, Rancagua, Talca, Linares, Chillán, Los Ángeles, Temuco, Villarrica, Valdivia, Osorno, Ancud and Punta Arenas.

Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati of Concepción condemned the actions of those using the chaos to loot as being responsible of a "second earthquake". He also said the organization of relief efforts is making progress although it remains difficult to get in touch with some parishes, mainly along the coast.

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Caritas, and its 164 national members, provide assistance to the poor, the vulnerable and the excluded on behalf of a billion of Catholics around the world. Caritas members directly help 24 million people a year in 200 countries and territories.