Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) – On Saturday, February 27th, an earthquake that has killed over 700 people, shock after shock, is leaving a long trail of damage, injuries, and fear. The area most affected is the south-central part of the South American country, the region that includes Santiago, Talca, Concepcion, Talcahuano, and Constitucion. Unfortunately, it is feared that the final assessment of the earthquake can show even greater damages and losses. The latest figures were provided by President Michelle Bachelet: "There are 708 confirmed deaths," she said after a meeting with the Emergency Committee in the Palace of La Moneda, adding that the number of missing people is "undetermined." According to the local press, about 350 bodies have been recovered in Constitucion alone. Civil Protection has already said that a violent earthquake like the one on Saturday opens the way for a long tail of aftershocks, which could last a while.
The Catholic Church immediately began a response effort through the network of Caritas Chile for aid and relief, while the Bishops called for hope. "It is time to pray and to gather as the one family that we are," said Bishop Alejandro Goic of Rancagua, President of the Bishops' Conference of Chile. "It has been a real disaster. We grieve for our brothers and sisters who lost their lives and we express closeness and prayer to their relatives and friends, even those who have lost their property obtained through the efforts of a lifetime."
The Bishops continues: "Faithful to her mission, the Church is committed to providing spiritual support and joint action for solidarity in this hour of tragedy. In the strength of the Gospel, we must bring hope in times of fear, pain, and disaster. We pledge our assistance to the authorities, officials, and volunteers.”
“Of course, Caritas Chile has opened a special bank account to receive donations of money devoted to the cities most severely affected. May the Lord grant us His peace and may Our Lady of Mt. Carmel cover us with her mantle of protection, so that we can arise from this bitter hour. Take courage, Chile and may the God of Life bless us all," concludes Bishop Goic. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 01/03/2010)
