Humanitarian response to the 2010 Chile earthquake
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The Humanitarian response to the 2010 Chile earthquake
included national governments, charitable and for-profit organizations from around the world which began coordinating humanitarian aid designed to help the Chilean people.
Republic of China (on Taiwan)
: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences and offered assistance to ONEMI, the Chilean emergency and disaster agency.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama
ordered preparation for relief and support activities.
Other details about the Qatari relief mission and sending of 40 tons of humanitarian aid material in the form of medicines, food packets, and tents were spoken of by a Qatari military official; "When the Qatar Emiri Air Force acquired two C-17s last year, we did so with every intention of supporting international disaster-relief and humanitarian missions around the world", said Brig. Gen. Ahmed Al-Malki, head of Qatar's airlift selection committee. "We take great pride in being among the first of many nations to respond to Haiti and Chile, delivering several thousand tons of food, water and medical supplies."
The Russian government sent a telegram of condolences.
US-based American Red Cross
pledged $450,000 from its International Response Fund.
of 27 February 2010 involves the sequence of events in the days following a highly destructive 8.8 Mw
earthquake with an epicenter
deep underground, offshore, near Maule, Chile.
and Argentina
gave aid to Chile
after March the 1st, 2010.
Argentina has sent construction teams to Chiloe island to help reconstruct some of the washed away coastal buildings.
on March 3 to remember the town's dead.
2010 Chile earthquake
The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred off the coast of central Chile on Saturday, 27 February 2010, at 03:34 local time , having a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale, with intense shaking lasting for about three minutes. It ranks as the sixth largest earthquake ever to be recorded by a...
included national governments, charitable and for-profit organizations from around the world which began coordinating humanitarian aid designed to help the Chilean people.
National governments
- PresidentPresident of ArgentinaThe President of the Argentine Nation , usually known as the President of Argentina, is the head of state of Argentina. Under the national Constitution, the President is also the chief executive of the federal government and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.Through Argentine history, the...
Cristina Fernández de KirchnerCristina Fernández de KirchnerCristina Elisabet Fernández de Kirchner , commonly known as Cristina Fernández or Cristina Kirchner is the 55th and current President of Argentina and the widow of former President Néstor Kirchner. She is Argentina's first elected female president, and the second female president ever to serve...
called PresidentPresident of ChileThe President of the Republic of Chile is both the head of state and the head of government of the Republic of Chile. The President is responsible of the government and state administration...
Michelle BacheletMichelle BacheletVerónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria is a Social Democrat politician who was President of Chile from 11 March 2006 to 11 March 2010. She was the first woman president of her country...
and offered "all the needed aid." Meanwhile, Argentine Ambassador to ChileArgentina-Chile relationsArgentina–Chile relations refers to interstate relations between the Republic of Chile and the Argentine Republic. Argentina and Chile share the world's third-longest international border, which is long and runs from north to the south along the Andes mountains...
, Ginés González GarcíaGinés González GarcíaGinés González García is a medical doctor and was the Minister of Health and Environment of Argentina during the administrations of Presidents Eduardo Duhalde and Néstor Kirchner.-Career:...
, said that his country "will do everything possible" to aid Chile. Medical supplies sent by Argentina had arrived in Chile—the first batch of international relief aid the country has received after Saturday's devastating earthquake, Chile's Defense Ministry said Sunday. On March 1, Chile requested Argentina the sending of three field hospitalField hospitalA field hospital is a large mobile medical unit that temporarily takes care of casualties on-site before they can be safely transported to more permanent hospital facilities...
s, including a similar one deployed in HaitiArgentine Air Force Mobile Field HospitalThe Argentine Air Force Mobile Field Hospital is a field hospital operated by the Argentine Air Force. It is one of three health centers of its kind worldwide .- Description :...
. President Cristina Kirchner also announced the delivery of 1800 tons of food and more than a half millions liters of water. Four water purifications plants and four electricity power generators were also included. The first C-130 HerculesC-130 HerculesThe Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
, of eight scheduled flights, was dispatched on March 1 and the 12 modules Argentine Air ForceArgentine Air ForceThe Argentine Air Force is the national aviation branch of the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic. , it had 14,606 military and 6,854 civilian staff.-History:...
hospital would be located at CuricóCuricóCuricó , meaning "Black Waters" in Mapudungun , is the capital city of the Curicó Province, part of the Maule Region in Chile's central valley....
. On March 5 an Air Force Fokker F-28 was sent to Concepcion to evacuate residents On March 6 Argentine Health minister announces the sending of ten thousand doses of vaccine against hepatitis AHepatitis AHepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus , an RNA virus, usually spread the fecal-oral route; transmitted person-to-person by ingestion of contaminated food or water or through direct contact with an infectious person...
On March 8, the Argentine Ministry of DefenseMinistry of Defense (Argentina)The Ministry of Defense of Argentina is a ministry of the national executive power that deals with everything related to the country national defense...
announced that, after 9 flights, the field hospitalArgentine Air Force Mobile Field HospitalThe Argentine Air Force Mobile Field Hospital is a field hospital operated by the Argentine Air Force. It is one of three health centers of its kind worldwide .- Description :...
at Curico is already operational. On March 13 the benefit concert Argentina Abraza Chile is done at Buenos AiresBuenos AiresBuenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent... - Prime Minister Kevin RuddKevin RuddKevin Michael Rudd is an Australian politician who was the 26th Prime Minister of Australia from 2007 to 2010. He has been Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2010...
offered any possible assistance to the Chilean government. - Bolivian President Evo Morales made a visit to Chile and was the only president to carry food an aid on his plane, then he announced half of his monthly salary will be donated to the earthquake tragedy of Chile and Haiti, Bolivia sent aid to Chile and the Bolivian people collected $1.3 million for Chile and Haiti.
- Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da SilvaLuiz Inácio Lula da SilvaLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva , known popularly as Lula, served as the 35th President of Brazil from 2003 to 2010.A founding member of the Workers' Party , he ran for President three times unsuccessfully, first in the 1989 election. Lula achieved victory in the 2002 election, and was inaugurated as...
said that he had "deep concern for the impact of the earthquake" and ordered the cabinet to evaluate Chile's situation and the assistance Brazil could give. An aircraft from the Brazilian Air ForceBrazilian Air ForceThe Brazilian Air Force is the air branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three national uniformed services. The FAB was formed when the Army and Navy air branch were merged into a single military force initially called "National Air Forces"...
was used to transport Chile's justice minister and attorney general back to Chile. After attending the induction of the UruguayUruguayUruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
an President José MujicaJosé MujicaJosé Alberto "Pepe" Mujica Cordano is a Uruguayan politician and former guerrilla fighter, a member of the Broad Front and current President of Uruguay....
, President Lula made a short visit to Santiago to meet President Bachelet. On March 2, 2010, Brasil sent two UH-60 Blackhawk of the Brazilian Air ForceBrazilian Air ForceThe Brazilian Air Force is the air branch of the Brazilian Armed Forces and one of the three national uniformed services. The FAB was formed when the Army and Navy air branch were merged into a single military force initially called "National Air Forces"...
to Chile. The Brazilian Air Force has also sent aircraft transporting the Brazilian Navy field hospital and its 47 personnel on March 3. - The Canadian government is currently monitoring the situation and is aware of the approximately 1,100 Canadians in Chile. Non-government organizations have already responded, including Global Medic, from TorontoTorontoToronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, will reassign volunteers already in HaitiHaitiHaiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
, the Canadian Red CrossCanadian Red CrossThe Canadian Red Cross Society is a Canadian humanitarian charitable organization and one of 186 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies....
is also monitoring the situation and Canadian embassies along the western seaboard, as well as VancouverVancouverVancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, where the 2010 Olympics2010 Winter OlympicsThe 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
were being held, have been put on alert. The Chilean government has specifically asked Canada for a field hospitalField hospitalA field hospital is a large mobile medical unit that temporarily takes care of casualties on-site before they can be safely transported to more permanent hospital facilities...
, a pontoon bridgePontoon bridgeA pontoon bridge or floating bridge is a bridge that floats on water and in which barge- or boat-like pontoons support the bridge deck and its dynamic loads. While pontoon bridges are usually temporary structures, some are used for long periods of time...
, generators and telecommunications equipment. Bev Oda minsister of international cooperation announced on March 3, 2010 that Canada would give $2 million in aid to Chile.
Republic of China (on Taiwan)
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed condolences and offered assistance to ONEMI, the Chilean emergency and disaster agency.
- President Hu JintaoHu JintaoHu Jintao is the current Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China. He has held the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang...
released a message of condolence to President Bachelet and offered emergency relief assistance to affected areas. He said, "On behalf of the Chinese government as well as in his own name, extended sincere condolences to Bachelet, the Chilean people and government as well as deep sympathies to the earthquake victims." On March 6, the Chinese government sent a plane to SantiagoSantiago, ChileSantiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level...
containing roughly $2,000,000 U.S. Dollars worth of aid. - The Colombian Government expressed condolences and is ready to help this neighbour country by sending any help that the Government of Chile requests and also helping it through its embassy in Santiago.
- The Costa Rican government communicated through an official note its solidarity to the victims of the earthquake. The National Emergencies Commission volunteered to send 3 structural engineers to help evaluate the conditions of the still-standing structures.
- The Cuban government has sent a total of 36 doctors who have set up a temporary hospital in RancaguaRancaguaRancagua is a city and commune in central Chile, part of the Rancagua conurbation. It is the capital of the Cachapoal Province and of the O'Higgins Region, located south of the national capital of Santiago. It had a 2002 population of 214,344...
, in the Cachapoal ProvinceCachapoal ProvinceCachapoal Province is one of three provinces of the central Chilean region of O'Higgins . Its capital is the city of Rancagua .-Geography and demography:...
. Cuba has also donated about 12 tons of medicine and medical equipment to Chile. Several organs of the Cuban government as well as Ex-president Fidel CastroFidel CastroFidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
have also sent their condolences and have expressed solidarity with Chile. - The president of the Dominican RepublicDominican RepublicThe Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
Leonel FernándezLeonel FernándezLeonel Antonio Fernández Reyna is a Dominican lawyer, academic, and the current President of the Dominican Republic since 2004. He held the same office from 1996 to 2000...
spoke about the Chilean earthquake a few hours after the earthquake occurred, while presenting a previously scheduled speech about his tenure during the year 2009. He stated, "Our hearts and our prayers are with you" and expressed his solidarity with the Chilean people. - The president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, issued a statement of condolence saying, "You can count on us for any help we can give. A big hug for the Chilean people and beloved President Bachelet."
- French President Nicolas SarkozyNicolas SarkozyNicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier....
expressed his "deep emotion", while Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said Paris "in consultation with its European Union partners is ready to respond to the Chilean demands for assistance." - German Foreign Minister Guido WesterwelleGuido WesterwelleGuido Westerwelle [] is a German liberal politician, who, since 28 October 2009, has been serving as the Foreign Minister in the second cabinet of Chancellor Angela Merkel, and who was Vice Chancellor of Germany from 2009 to 2011. He is the first openly gay person to hold either of those positions...
issued a statement saying that Germany was sending an expert team from the German Federal Agency for Technical ReliefTechnisches HilfswerkThe Bundesanstalt Technisches Hilfswerk is a civil protection organisation controlled by the German federal government...
to Chile to find out how it could offer technical assistance. - Haiti, already devastated by the 2010 Haiti earthquake2010 Haiti earthquakeThe 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, with an epicentre near the town of Léogâne, approximately west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The earthquake occurred at 16:53 local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks...
, sent condolences to the Chilean government. Haitian President René PrévalRené PrévalRené Garcia Préval is a Haitian politician and agronomist who was the President of the Republic of Haiti from 14 May 2006 to 14 May 2011. He previously served as President from February 7, 1996, to February 7, 2001, and as Prime Minister from February 1991 to October 11, 1991.-Early life and...
went to the Chilean embassy and expressed condolence. - The president of IcelandPresident of IcelandThe President of Iceland is Iceland's elected head of state. The president is elected to a four-year term by universal adult suffrage and has limited powers. The president is not the head of government; the Prime Minister of Iceland is the head of government. There have been five presidents since...
sent president Michelle BacheletMichelle BacheletVerónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria is a Social Democrat politician who was President of Chile from 11 March 2006 to 11 March 2010. She was the first woman president of her country...
condolences on behalf of the Icelandic people. The president hoped that the unity of Chileans and the international community would help relieve from the devastation that followed the earthquake. - NBD reports " Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the loss of lives in the earthquake in Chile and pledged USD five million support for relief and rehabilitation work there." "On behalf of the Government and people of India, I would like to express deep sympathy and condolences to the people of Chile on the great tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families", the Prime Minister said in a letter to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.
- The Israeli government issued a statement saying that "Israel stands by the side of the government and the people of Chile, and expresses its solidarity with them in the face of the devastating earthquake that has befallen their country. Israel wishes to send its condolences to the bereaved families and to express its support to all the citizens of Chile in this time of trial." The government has offered medical and engineering aid and is awaiting a response from the Chilean government.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama
Yukio Hatoyama
is a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan between 16 September 2009 and 2 June 2010, and was the first ever Prime Minister from the modern Democratic Party of Japan....
ordered preparation for relief and support activities.
- Abdullah II bin al-HusseinAbdullah II of JordanAbdullah II ibn al-Hussein is the reigning King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He ascended the throne on 7 February 1999 after the death of his father King Hussein. King Abdullah, whose mother is Princess Muna al-Hussein, is a member of the Hashemite family...
, the current king of the Kingdom of Jordan, expressed his deepest sympathies over the loss of life caused by the earthquake via a telegram sent to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. - President Fatmir SejdiuFatmir SejdiuFatmir Sejdiu is a politician from Kosovo. He was the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo and was the first President of the Republic of Kosovo.-Early life and education:...
sent a message of condolence to President Bachelet and President-elect Piñera offering "...the deepest sympathies of the people and the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo." - His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable President Michelle Bachelet Jeria expressing sincere condolences, wished the injured a swift recovery and that Chilean officials would be able to overcome the impact of this natural disaster. His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also sent a cable of condolences to the Chilean president. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah did the same.
- Malaysia's foreign ministry conveyed Malaysia's condolences and deep sympathy to the victims of the massive earthquake that hit Chile.
- The government of Mexico sent its condolences to the Chilean people, and promised to offer aid.
- Prime Minister John Key said, "I am shocked by the devastation in Chile and would like to convey my sincere condolences to the people of Chile, President Michelle Bachelet and the Chilean Government. The New Zealand Government is prepared to provide assistance to Chile should this be requested."
- President Asif Ali ZardariAsif Ali ZardariAsif Ali Zardari is the 11th and current President of Pakistan and the Co-Chairman of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party . He is also the widower of Benazir Bhutto, who served two nonconsecutive terms as Prime Minister....
released a message of condolence to the Chilean President concerning the earthquake saying that "We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage to property caused by the severe earthquake that has hit your country", while Prime Minister Yousaf Raza GillaniYousaf Raza GillaniYousuf Raza Gilani is the current prime minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He was nominated as Prime Minister by the PPP, with the support of its coalition partners, Pakistan Muslim League , Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and Muttahida Qaumi Movement, on 22 March 2008...
ordered to begin the relief process and assured Chilean government of best support and cooperation of Pakistan. - The president of the Palestinian National AuthorityPalestinian National AuthorityThe Palestinian Authority is the administrative organization established to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip...
, Mahmoud AbbasMahmoud AbbasMahmoud Abbas , also known by the kunya Abu Mazen , has been the Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation since 11 November 2004 and became President of the Palestinian National Authority on 15 January 2005 on the Fatah ticket.Elected to serve until 9 January 2009, he unilaterally...
, expressed a message of condolence saying that "We have made it clear once again that President Bachelet of Chile and Palestinian peoples are found together in solidarity and fellowship. We know from our own history, the meaning of surviving tragedy and we are confident that Chile will overcome this sad time." - President Alan García expressed his condolences for the loss of life and offered any service that the Chilean government and people would require from Peru. García further declared that on March 1, 2010, Peru would have a National day of mourningNational day of mourningA national day of mourning is a day marked by mourning and memorial activities observed among the majority of a country's populace. They are designated by that nation's government...
to show support for the victims of the earthquake in Chile. On March 2, 2010, Alan García and Foreign Affairs Minister José García Belaúnde visited Chile to meet with President Michelle BacheletMichelle BacheletVerónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria is a Social Democrat politician who was President of Chile from 11 March 2006 to 11 March 2010. She was the first woman president of her country...
and Chile's President-elect Sebastián PiñeraSebastián PiñeraMiguel Juan Sebastián Piñera Echenique is a Chilean businessman and politician. He was elected President of Chile in January 2010, taking office in March 2010.- Education :...
. His visit also brought three planeloads of relief supplies, including a makeshift field hospital, tents and medicines. He said that Peru will provide cash aid to earthquake-affected Peruvian citizens and will repatriate those who want to return to their home country. - The President of PortugalPresident of PortugalPortugal has been a republic since 1910, and since that time the head of state has been the president, whose official title is President of the Portuguese Republic ....
, Cavaco Silva sent a letter to his Chilean counterpart to express his sincere condolences on behalf of himself and the Portuguese people. - The nation of Qatar sent a rescue team to Chile. On 7 March 2010 Members of the Internal Security Force (Lakhwiya) who left for quake-hit Chile on a humanitarian mission on Friday. The special force consists of doctors and other personnel who will help in the relief and rescue operations in the South American country. The team is also carrying with it 40 tonnes of aid materials including medicines, food packets and tents.
Other details about the Qatari relief mission and sending of 40 tons of humanitarian aid material in the form of medicines, food packets, and tents were spoken of by a Qatari military official; "When the Qatar Emiri Air Force acquired two C-17s last year, we did so with every intention of supporting international disaster-relief and humanitarian missions around the world", said Brig. Gen. Ahmed Al-Malki, head of Qatar's airlift selection committee. "We take great pride in being among the first of many nations to respond to Haiti and Chile, delivering several thousand tons of food, water and medical supplies."
The Russian government sent a telegram of condolences.
- President Boris TadićBoris TadicBoris Tadić is the President of Serbia and leader of the Democratic Party. He was elected to a five-year term on 27 June 2004, and was sworn into office on 11 July. He was re-elected for a de facto second five-year term on 3 February 2008 and was sworn in on 15 February...
sent his condolences to Chilean president Michelle Bachelet "The people of Serbia sincerely share the pain of the Chilean people for the numerous victims and heavy material damage". - Singapore donated $50,000 to quake hit Chile on March 3, 2010. Singapore announced on Wednesday a monetary donation of 50,000 U.S. dollars to Chile, which was rocked by a powerful earthquake early last Saturday. The Singaporean president Sellapan Ramanathan provided a statement saying that "On behalf of the people of Singapore, he extended his deepest condolences to the quake victims and their families, and wished those injured a speedy recovery from their trauma."
- The South African government expressed its condolences to the people of Chile. A statement was issued saying that "We indeed say our thoughts and prayers go out to the Chilean people during this difficult time."
- The South Korean government expressed its condolences in regards to the earthquake. A statement released by the government that was addressed to Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and President-elect Sebastian PineraSebastián PiñeraMiguel Juan Sebastián Piñera Echenique is a Chilean businessman and politician. He was elected President of Chile in January 2010, taking office in March 2010.- Education :...
said that on behalf of South Korea, we express condolences to the bereaved families of those people who perished in the quake and to the Chilean people. - The Spanish government in MadridMadridMadrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
issued a statement saying that would provide all their available capabilities in the region to provide a coordinated response to this new disaster that has rocked a friendly and brother country. - The government of Sri LankaPolitics of Sri LankaPolitics of Sri Lanka takes place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Sri Lanka is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both...
expressed its sincere condolences to the president and public of Chile in the wake of the devastating earthquake. Furthermore, the ColomboColomboColombo is the largest city of Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is often referred to as the capital of the country, since Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is a satellite city of Colombo...
Department of Meteorology assessed that there would be no risk of tsunami conditions in the vicinity, as a result of the threat that distant shores could be inundated within hours. - Sweden's Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said that "We have via the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), said that we will contribute personnel...we are following the developments and are prepared to assist Chile...It is important to follow how serious the consequences are. We have already heard that there is much devastation and many have died in Chile." Reinfeldt mentioned that there are strong bands between Sweden and Chile, as there are many people of Chilean origin living in Sweden. The Swedish government is also working with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). MSB has assessed the needs that Chile requires from the international community and will contribute the equipment and aid workers that Sweden has available, says the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. "It is a match with the requests (from Chile) and with the contributions of other EU nations", said MSB's press-secretary Karin Wiklund. Save the Children Sweden has personal in Chile assessing the situation and how they can contribute, and will make contributions as soon as the areas of need are understood. "We are very thankful for the solidarity that Sweden shows", Chile's ambassador to Sweden, José Miguel Cruz is quoted as saying in Svenska Dagbladet. There are many thousands of Swedes with relatives in Chile, and the Swedish government is working to connect people to their relatives.
- The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign AffairsFederal Department of Foreign AffairsThe Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is a department of the federal administration of Switzerland. It is charged with maintaining the foreign relations of Switzerland and serves as Switzerland's ministry of foreign affairs...
said on Saturday that it would send experts already based in South America to the scene. They were expected to arrive on Sunday and would determine once on the ground how best to help. Chile had not requested assistance. The Swiss embassy, located in one of the most heavily affected areas of Santiago, suffered heavy damage. - Abhisit VejjajivaAbhisit VejjajivaAbhisit Vejjajiva , , ; born Mark Abhisit Vejjajiva; 3 August 1964 in Newcastle upon Tyne) is a Thai politician who was the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2008 to 2011 and is the current leader of the Democrat Party...
, the Prime Minister of Thailand expressed heartfelt condolences to Chileans, especially the families affected by the earthquake. - The Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben AliZine El Abidine Ben AliZine El Abidine Ben Ali is a Tunisian political figure who was the second President of Tunisia from 1987 to 2011. Ben Ali was appointed Prime Minister in October 1987, and he assumed the Presidency on 7 November 1987 in a bloodless coup d'état that ousted President Habib Bourguiba, who was...
sent his condolences on the behalf of Tunisia to President Bachelet. - The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives in the Chilean earthquake disaster.
- The Ukrainian Government, in a letter given to the Chilean consulate in KievKievKiev or Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. The population as of the 2001 census was 2,611,300. However, higher numbers have been cited in the press....
, expressed condolences with regard to the damage and the tragic loss of life caused by the earthquake. - The British Red Cross donated £50,000 to help the victims of Chile earthquake. Prime Minister Gordon BrownGordon BrownJames Gordon Brown is a British Labour Party politician who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 until 2010. He previously served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government from 1997 to 2007...
said in a press statement that Britain would do whatever it could to help after the earthquake in the centre of Chile. UK-based aid organisations including OxfamOxfamOxfam is an international confederation of 15 organizations working in 98 countries worldwide to find lasting solutions to poverty and related injustice around the world. In all Oxfam’s actions, the ultimate goal is to enable people to exercise their rights and manage their own lives...
, Christian AidChristian AidChristian Aid is the official relief and development agency of 40 British and Irish churches and works to support sustainable development, alleviate poverty, support civil society and provide disaster relief in South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa and Asia...
and Save the ChildrenSave the ChildrenSave the Children is an internationally active non-governmental organization that enforces children's rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries...
started collecting donations as emergency teams prepared to fly in to the quake-affected area. Oxfam is today sending a team of water engineers and logisticians from Colombia and senior humanitarian staff from its centre in Mexico.
- The State Department established a web-based Chile Earthquake Google Person Finder and set up an emergency phone line for seeking information about missing people in the quake-affected area. White House Press Secretary Robert GibbsRobert GibbsRobert Lane Gibbs was the 28th White House Press Secretary. Gibbs was the communications director for then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama and Obama's 2008 presidential campaign...
said in a press statement that "We are closely monitoring the situation, including the potential for a tsunami, and Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile, and we stand ready to help in this hour of need." President Obama cautions Americans in Hawaii and Guam to pay attention to local officials. The U.S. Air ForceUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
delivers several C-130 cargo planes to help with aid and evacuations. - "I pray for the victims and am spiritually close to the people tested by such a grave calamity; for these I implore from God relief from the suffering and courage in this adversity", said Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square.
- The Venezuelan government, through its foreign ministry, sent a message of solidarity to the victims of the earthquake and offered his collaboration.
Intergovernmental organizations
- Kristalina GeorgievaKristalina GeorgievaKristalina Ivanova Georgieva is a Bulgarian economist and politician, currently serving as European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response in the second college of the Barroso Commission....
from Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response of European Commissioner for International Cooperation released condolences message to the families of victims immediately and assured of best co-operation. Georgieva said she had immediately activated the commission's crisis monitoring unit and told its humanitarian aid experts "to undertake urgent needs assessments if required". The European Union pledged €3 million in immediate assistance as aid workers rushed to Chile. - Secretary General José Miguel InsulzaJosé Miguel InsulzaJosé Miguel Insulza Salinas is a Chilean politician and statesman. He is currently the Secretary General of the Organization of American States. He is nicknamed El Panzer, for his tank-like drive and reputation due to his ability to take political heat with little apparent damage...
, himself a native of Chile, promised "all the cooperation that the OAS can provide". - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonBan Ki-moonBan Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
expressed his condolences for the loss of life in the quake.
- World BankWorld BankThe World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
: The president of the World BankWorld BankThe World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
Group, Robert B. Zoellick issued a statement saying that the institution was ready to help the victims of Chile's massive earthquake as he expressed his condolences following the disaster that hit the center and south of the country.
Charitable organizations
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent SocietiesInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent SocietiesThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a humanitarian institution that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the ICRC and 186 distinct National Societies...
has released 300,000 Swiss francs (c. £140,420) from its Disaster Emergency Response Fund.
- Humanity FirstHumanity FirstHumanity First is an international charitable trust established to promote and safeguard the preservation of human life and dignity. The organisation works with vulnerable communities in over 40 countries spanning 6 continents, and is now registered in 33 countries...
from Canada and USA is prepared a disaster relief team.
- UK-based OxfamOxfamOxfam is an international confederation of 15 organizations working in 98 countries worldwide to find lasting solutions to poverty and related injustice around the world. In all Oxfam’s actions, the ultimate goal is to enable people to exercise their rights and manage their own lives...
immediately sent a team of water engineers and logistics experts, and also announced an emergency appeal for donations for the victims of the earthquake.
- UK-based Save the ChildrenSave the ChildrenSave the Children is an internationally active non-governmental organization that enforces children's rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries...
made an appeal for donations.
- UK-based Christian AidChristian AidChristian Aid is the official relief and development agency of 40 British and Irish churches and works to support sustainable development, alleviate poverty, support civil society and provide disaster relief in South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa and Asia...
made an appeal for donations.
US-based American Red Cross
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross , also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S...
pledged $450,000 from its International Response Fund.
Commercial organizations
- US-based Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.Wal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
announced an initial commitment of $1 million to go toward emergency relief efforts throughout Chile.
- ScotiabankScotiabankThe Bank of Nova Scotia , commonly known as Scotiabank , is the third largest bank in Canada by deposits and market capitalization. It serves some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world and offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial,...
announced $250,000 in aid for Chile, and a relief fund would be set up through its bank branches in Canada.
- Mining concern Anglo American plc announced $10 million in aid for emergency water and power, and reconstruction of homes and schools.
- HyundaiHyundaiHyundai ) is a global conglomerate company, part of the Korean chaebol, that was founded in South Korea by one of the most famous businessmen in Korean history: Chung Ju-yung...
/KiaKia MotorsKia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...
announced $200,000 in aid for Chile.
Social media
- TwitterTwitterTwitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
users following #Chile and #tsunami directed each other to various media and government sites (as well as the usual rumors and folklore).
Timeline of relief efforts after the 2010 Chile earthquake
The timeline of relief efforts after the 2010 Chile earthquake2010 Chile earthquake
The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred off the coast of central Chile on Saturday, 27 February 2010, at 03:34 local time , having a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale, with intense shaking lasting for about three minutes. It ranks as the sixth largest earthquake ever to be recorded by a...
of 27 February 2010 involves the sequence of events in the days following a highly destructive 8.8 Mw
Moment magnitude scale
The moment magnitude scale is used by seismologists to measure the size of earthquakes in terms of the energy released. The magnitude is based on the seismic moment of the earthquake, which is equal to the rigidity of the Earth multiplied by the average amount of slip on the fault and the size of...
earthquake with an epicenter
Epicenter
The epicenter or epicentre is the point on the Earth's surface that is directly above the hypocenter or focus, the point where an earthquake or underground explosion originates...
deep underground, offshore, near Maule, Chile.
Specialist incidents
Over 50 countries including Brazil, the People's Republic of ChinaPeople's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
and Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
gave aid to Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
after March the 1st, 2010.
Earthquake casualties and specialist aid given
The death toll was initially put at 124 on February 27, then a total of 708 was declared on 16.00 on March the 1st and included missing people, the number was updated by the government of Chile and decreased to 279 by 09.00 on March 4, because only confirmed decesead victims of the event were counted. As new victims were identified and confirmed by the government the number raised, first come to 452 by March 5, and to 497 by March 8, being that the last official report of the Ministry of Interior of Chile.Tsunami casualties and specialist aid given
It reached Easter island in a few hours and finally reached Japan and New Zealand after about 1 day.Argentina has sent construction teams to Chiloe island to help reconstruct some of the washed away coastal buildings.
Looting and the police response
160 people were arrested by military police in Concepcion between March 1 and 2.Church ceremonies
There will be a special mass in ValparaísoValparaíso
Valparaíso is a city and commune of Chile, center of its third largest conurbation and one of the country's most important seaports and an increasing cultural center in the Southwest Pacific hemisphere. The city is the capital of the Valparaíso Province and the Valparaíso Region...
on March 3 to remember the town's dead.