Update on Chilean Earthquake
On 27 February 2010, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck off the coast of the Maule Region of Chile, at 3:34 local time. The earthquake shook the capital, Santiago and tremors were felt in many Argentine cities, the shock of the earthquake also caused seiches in Lake Pontchartrain, north of New Orleans in the United States, located nearly 4,700 miles from the epicenter of the quake. Some coastal towns in Chile were almost obliterated. Shortly after, tsunami warnings were issued to 53 countries. A tsunami was recorded with amplitude of up to 2.6m high, in the sea at Valparaíso, Chile.
President Michelle Bachelet of Chile has declared a “state of catastrophe” as the death toll continues to rise. The aftermath of the quake has caused Santiago’s International Airport to be damaged, three hospitals in the capital have collapsed and half a million homes are estimated to have been destroyed leaving tens of thousands displaced. Survivors of the earthquake are left without food, electricity has been shut down due to power lines being destroyed and water is scarce.
The Chilean Red Cross has launched a domestic appeal to help the survivors of the earthquake. They have also managed to establish contact with its branch offices in affected zones, where volunteers are currently on the ground providing first aid to the survivors.
As part of relief efforts for the Chilean Earthquake, many Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have offered support in the form of monetary donations or experts in disaster response. The International Federation of the Red Cross has released 300,000 Swiss francs (S$390,000) to support the Chilean Red Cross’s efforts in affected areas. An emergency appeal of CHF10 million will be issued to aid in its relief efforts in Chile.
Singapore Red Cross’ assistance to the Chilean Earthquake
As a member of the Red Cross Red Crescent movement, the SRC will assist to channel the money received for this disaster to the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Cresent for their immediate emergency relief efforts.
Donors who wish to contribute towards the IFRC relief operations in Chile, may do so by making your donations through the Singapore Red Cross:
1) Cheque donations
Donations via cheque can be made to “Singapore Red Cross Society” and sent to the Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486. Please include your name, contact details and indicate “Chilean Earthquake” at the back of the cheque
2) Walk-in donations
Donors may make their cash/cheque donations at the Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane (near Dhoby Gaut MRT Station) from Mondays to Fridays between 9.30am and 5.30pm.
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