Posts Tagged ‘tsunami’

Tsunami damage in the fishing community of Dichato, Chile

The Salvation Army in Chile is focusing their tsunami relief response mainly on the communities of Dichato and Caleta Tumbes. Many locals here fled to high ground and watched as the tsunami destroyed their homes, possessions and livelihoods, and in some instances took the lives of their loved ones.

One woman lost her 92-year-old father who decided to stay in their house after trusting his son, a local fisherman, that the sea well would not reach the house. On any other night that would have been true – but not on this occasion.

Another fisherman explained that he didn’t think about the boat he left behind as he and his family fled, and now he doesn’t know how he’ll be able to afford to pay for a new one.  His family is currently living with many others in tents and makeshift shelters in woods on high ground inland from their homes.

The tsunami destroyed the communities’ fishing fleets, and this time of year is the most important for sardine fishermen. The season lasts only three months, and many earn almost their entire annual income during this short period.

The secretary of the fishermen’s cooperative in Dichato said: ‘The young men may be able to retrain to do something else but many of us are too old. All we know is fishing – it is our livelihood, it is our life.’

In addition to providing food, water, clothes, and spiritual support, The Salvation Army in Chile is considering raising donations for the purpose of replacing the boats that were swept away.

The secretary of the fishermen’s cooperative in Caleta Tumbes thanked The Salvation Army for all it was doing in the community and appealed for it to continue to give assistance.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, please visit our online donation page.

Information provided by Major Raelton Gibbs of The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services

Food and drink is distibuted from a Salvation Army mobile canteen in Chile.

One month following the destructive magnitude 8.8 earthquake and tsunami that struck Chile, The Salvation Army continues distributing  help throughout the country. More than 15,000 people have been assisted and 14,000 rations of food provided to individuals and families. Some 350 volunteers have given their help.

A campaign called ‘Strong Arms Around Chile’ has been set up to help collect donations and goods that can be delivered to the neediest Chileans.

In the area around the capital, Santiago, coffee, hot meals and other services continue to be offered.

The south of the country, particularly coastal regions, was most affected by the disaster and this area is where The Salvation Army is focusing its efforts.

Four hundred baskets with basic necessities have been given out in Caleta Tumbes, which was affected by both the quake and tsunami. Salvation Army workers are helping to clear debris in this area. The Salvation Army is also distributing family baskets with basic necessities such as food, water, hygiene products, and clothes to families who are sleeping outdoors since they no longer have homes.

In Concepción, around the epicentre of the earthquake, family baskets were distributed at a camp in the centre of the city.

In nearby Hualpén, a well on the grounds of Hualpencillo Corps (church) is providing water to the neighbourhood.

The Salvation Army’s Central Division in Chile sent 20 tons of food, clothing and water to the cities of Concepción and Hualpén, including some goods purchased with funds received from overseas.

The supplies were organized in a reception centre at Concepción Corps. The corps officers went to the affected zones to see where the aid was most needed and the community of Dichato was identified. Unfortunately, because of contamination, the military was not allowing people into the community.

Eventually a Salvation Army team was allowed to visit the New Dawn camp in Dichato, which is made up of 180 families – approximately 850 people. The team also visited Villa los Sauces, which has a number of temporary settlements, and the area of Coliumo, where many people are living in small makeshift camps along the side of the road.

In each of these places goods were given out, including food, water and some tents. Three volunteers, rotating every few days, are living in a tent in the New Dawn camp and there are plans to set up a community kitchen. Salvationists and volunteers have helped clear debris and have lifted people’s spirits with times of worship.

In an emergency services coordination meeting, it was decided that Concepción Corps would take responsibility for people in Dichato, Coliumo, Lota, Coronel and Hualqui. The corps at Hualpén will visit and document the communities of Las Salinas, Lenga, Talcahuano and Caleta Tumbes. Some of these areas are dealing with devastation from both the earthquake and the tsunami.

Major Raelton Gibbs (International Emergency Services) is now in Chile to assist and advise the local Salvation Army teams.

The Salvation Army has been shown great appreciation by those receiving help. Many are simply happy still to be alive. The Chilean Salvation Army continues to work and aid those in need by providing not only material necessities but also spiritual comfort.

To help support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, visit our online donations page.

Salvation Army workers distribute emergency supplies to residents of Tocopilla, northern Chile.

The Salvation Army continues to provide emergency services in Chile as many remain missing or without basic necessities. We are networking with other Christian evangelical groups to support and comfort those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck February 27. Items that are being provided by these partners include donations of clothing, non-perishable foods, bed linens, cots, and tents.

As reported previously, the hardest hit areas of Chile are Concepcion (750,000 pop. and located slightly inland), Valdivia, Haulpen, and Tajquiana, a port city.   The emergency disaster headquarters are being established at the Hualpencillo Salvation Army Corps which is located between the coast and Concepcion.  Many of the tents erected at the Corps are displaced Salvation Army Officers and members whose homes have been washed away.

An emergency disaster team brought a generator to provide electricity, as well as additional food to be packaged or cooked for survivors. One of the main ingredients that will be distributed is flour, as bread is a main Chilean staple for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In the Santiago metropolitan region, approximately 1,500 – 2,000 persons are being served daily with hot meals, water, first aid items, and other emergency supplies.

There is concern about food distribution due to the unrest and looting that has been occurring, so The Salvation Army is hopeful that we will be provided some protection from local police.

Supplies are being purchased by funding already received from International Headquarters as well as local donations.  Some of the supplies that will be delivered include:

• Milk donated by the Swiss government
• Non-perishable foods
• Clothing donated by Canada, USA Central, and USA Eastern territories
• Linens including blankets and bedding
• Tents
• Purified water
• Tools to assist with clearing efforts

Further information will be reported as soon as it becomes available.  Stay up to date through our blog, national website, Facebook, and Twitter pages!

If you’d like to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing relief efforts in Chile, you can:

• Donate online
• Text ‘CHILE’ to 52000 to make a $10 contribution