Chile earthquake neighbourhoods are like a war zone

Two weeks on and the people of Chile are still coming to terms with the aftermath of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that claimed more than 750 lives.

The Anglican Church in Chile responded immediately by sending emergency supplies to disaster-hit areas, and USPG has set up the Chile Earthquake Fund to support the church in this work.

Andy Bowman, a USPG Mission Companion in Chile until 2008, said: ‘I have been trying to get in touch with friends in Concepcion, where we lived. Everyone is in shock due to the lack of communication, the constant tremors, the lack of water and electricity, and the lack of security.

‘Families in every neighbourhood have been organising themselves to stop the looting, theft and violence from roaming gangs.

‘In Concepcion, only one of the bridges that connect part of the city to outside sources of help is still standing, and it is in a very precarious state. The people are afraid that another tremor might cause the bridge to finally collapse, leaving everyone completely isolated.’

Andy continued: ‘Some people there feel as though they are in the middle of a war, surrounded by destruction, helicopters, soldiers, people queuing for anything and everything. The only shops open were kiosks.’

USPG-supported community worker Felipe Saravia sent the following email: ‘I am writing from Concepcion, 80km from the epicentre of the earthquake. Thank the Lord we are alright here. The churches are also alright. We have lived the last few days without water, electricity, gas or petrol. There has been a lot of panic and disruption, but the arrival of the army helped to restore order.

‘The churches in Santiago have organised a campaign and sent a large lorry with emergency supplies. Here in Concepcion we have been able to distribute this thanks to the CAMDES [Anglican NGO] pick-up truck and the help of our bishop [the Rt Revd Hector Zavala, Bishop of Chile] who came from Santiago to help.

‘We want to keep on assisting people because we know that this process of reconstruction of the city will take many months. It would be marvellous if you could help us. We are very grateful for your prayers, your friendship and your support, which shows that we are really one in Christ in spite of the distance.’

Bishop Hector Zavala accompanied a truck convoy from Santiago that delivered emergency supplies, including food, nappies and blankets.

Please remember the families and congregations in the South of Chile in your prayers at this difficult time.

Posted on 12.03.2010