Earthquake in Chile

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Chile on February 27 caused extensive damage to several cities and towns.

The earthquake struck around 325km south of the capital, Santiago and 110km from Chile’s second largest city, Concepcion. Most of the damage has occurred in Concepcion and in surrounding coastal towns hit by 2m waves caused by the earthquake. Aftershocks continue to rattle damaged buildings, and many residents are staying outside for safety.

Despite the strength of the earthquake, many lives were saved because of the strict building codes in place and the earthquake and tsunami training given from childhood to all citizens. The numbers of people killed has been revised to 497.

The damage to roads, homes and businesses is extensive, but Chile is a well developed nation with the capacity and resources to respond to the needs of the people. The government is not calling for large amounts of international aid at this time.

Raquel Contreras, the President of the Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches of Chile, said that they have provided food and water to people in need in the initial response and will be involved in the reconstruction process with support from Baptist World Aid (international) and some U.S. Baptist agencies. Baptist World Aid Australia will not be collecting funds at this stage.

Please join with us in prayer to support those affected by this disaster. Please pray for peace and calm despite difficult circumstances and for good communication between communities, aid groups and local governments, so that the needs of those most affected can be met.