A devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Chile on Saturday, February 27, 2010, shattering buildings and bridges and causing the issuance of tsunami warnings for much of Pacific rim. Damage was particularly heavy in Concepción. That city, Chile’s second-largest metropolitan area, is located only 70 miles from the earthquake's epicenter.

Reports as of Monday morning, March 1, 2010 list the death toll at over 700, with a potential of more deaths as tsunamis hit coastal areas.  Approximately 1.5 million homes have been destroyed.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with our ecumenical partner Church World Service (CWS) in Chile to provide basic humanitarian assistance and to help local partners in assessing the needs. One Great Hour of Sharing funds will be used for an initial response. Gifts for responding in Chile may be designated for DR000185.

CWS emergency response staff have been in contact with colleagues on the ground in Chile and is coordinating their response with two Chilean agencies: FASIC (Fundacion de Ayuda Social de las Iglesia Cristianas) and the Humanitarian Team of the Methodist Church of Chile, IMECH.  IMECH is part of the National Emergency Office (ONEMI), the national coordinating body headed by the President. ONEMI has local chapters in all regions, where coordination takes place with local counterparts.

PDA will also coordinate with PC(USA) World Mission and their work with CLAI (Latin American Council of Churches) and with ACT Alliance member Lutheran World Federation.

Carlos Cardenas, PC(USA) mission co-worker in Nicaragua, is assisting in communication of assessments.

John Robinson, PDA associate for national response, was in contact with presbytery staff in the Pacific rim areas over the weekend, in case there were needs arising from tsunamis in the aftermath of the quake.  However, the effects of the tsunami did not reach the United States.

Reports will be posted on the PDA Web site as assessments continue and information becomes available.

The Earthquake in Haiti

Contributions for earthquake victims in Haiti may be directed to PDA account number DR000064.  Contributions may also be given through Westminster Church.  Make checks payable to Westminster and write "Haiti" on the memo line.  You may also donate through Westminster by phone by using your credit card -- call 274-1534.

For updates on the earthquake and the church’s response, please visit the PDA Web site.