Chile – Earthquake
Disaster Response Report 2
 
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| American Red Cross |
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February 28, 2010
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Chile – Earthquake
Disaster Response Report 2
February 28, 2010
BACKGROUND
On February 27, 2010 at about 3:35 a.m. local time, an earthquake of magnitude 8.8 occurred in the moderately populated region of Bio-Bio in central Chile. The earthquake struck 56 miles northeast of the city of Concepción. Many aftershocks have occurred, including a significant 6.3 magnitude in Argentina. The earthquake generated tsunami alerts in Chile and most Pacific coast countries and island states. However, by late on February 27, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stood down its tsunami warning, after no major tsunami activity occurred in potential coastal areas.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
The death toll from Chile's earthquake has more than doubled to 708 and is expected to rise further. The total number of people affected is near 2 million.
Power and communications networks were still largely out of operation as of February 28, hampering search and rescue efforts.
NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
Estimated deaths
700
Number affected
2 million
CURRENT SITUATION
Damage Overview
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet declared a state of emergency in the regions of Valparaiso, Santiago, O’Higgins, Maule, Bio Bio and La Araucania.
At least 33 aftershocks were reported, including a 6.3-magnitude in Argentina.
According to President Bachelet, more than 2 million people have been affected and there are approximately 1.5 million houses in the affected areas which may have sustained damages, although specific damage figures have yet to be reported.
Electricity, Water & Communications: Water and electricity systems have been severely restricted or cut off in affected areas. In Concepción and Valparaiso, public services such as electricity and communications were
initially interrupted but have mostly been restored. The telephone system is overwhelmed at this time. Lack of electricity and communications and are hampering search and rescue efforts.
Access: In Santiago, the country’s capital, the international airport is reported to have sustained damages and remains closed. The ports of Valparaiso and Talcahuano have also been affected. Major highway bridges connecting the central regions of the country collapsed, making access to affected areas difficult.
Health: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports at least five damaged hospitals. Patients in these facilities are being transferred to alternative public and private clinics. The Chilean Ministry of Health is disseminating health information and safety precautions related to aftershocks as well as visiting the affected areas to assess the severity of the damage.
RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT RESPONSE
Chilean Red Cross
Since the onset of the emergency, the Chilean Red Cross has activated its response mechanisms and is assisting people affected by the earthquake. They are providing limited search and rescue, first aid and relief supplies distribution.
The Chilean Red Cross has been closely coordinating with the National Chile Emergency Office (ONEMI) and it has placed two Chilean Red Cross staff in that office.
The Chilean Red Cross reports that it is working on the response and gathering damage assessments as part of the ONEMI Emergency Committee. There is an air assessment planned for tomorrow.
The Chilean Red Cross also reports that communication is still very limited between its headquarters and the affected branches, and they are just now receiving the first damage reports. The affected regions of Bio-Bio and Maule include 42 Chilean Red Cross branches. |
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