Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) - Following a serious earthquake in northern Chile on Wednesday 14 November, the president of the Chilean Bishops' Conference, Bishop Alejandro Goic Karmelic of the diocese of Rancagua issued a statement expressing his sympathy and solidarity with the people in the affected dioceses of Calama, Antofagasta, Iquique and Arica and assuring his prayers for the "eternal repose of those who lost their lives and that God may grant peace and consolation the stricken families and comfort to all the earthquake victims". The Bishop also expresses his sympathy to families who have lost homes and belongings. "We thank the authorities for the concern shown, and voluntary organisations and various institutions who are assisting the most affected people " the statement continued.
Bishop Goic calls all communities to show solidarity with the victims and asks for special collections in aid of the disaster struck people to be taken at all Masses this coming Saturday and Sunday. At the same time he urges Catholics to give generously to campaign promoted by Caritas Chile to collect funds for the victims. The president of the Bishops' Conference ends his statement asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to protect the people in areas most affected by the earthquake.
According the Chilean National Emergency office the 7.9 earthquake affected an area of about 710sq km, between the cities of Arica and Antofagasta, in a zone known as the Grand North, with areas of desert and villages of mud huts. The earthquake was reported to be the worst in a decade. The cities with the most damage are Iquique and Arica. The tremor was felt in south east Peru and in Bolivia. The provisional death toll 12 and the earthquake left over 130 injured and hundreds of homeless. Many of the main roads in the region, including the road between Iquique and Arica along the border with Peru, are blocked by rockslides. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 16/11/2007; righe 26, parole 377)
