Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Concepcion (Agenzia Fides) - Chile is receiving international support thanks to large aid organizations. Alistair Duttom, Humanitarian Director of Caritas Internationalis, along with the national Caritas team, visited the region of Maule and Biobío, in order to establish guidelines for action and channels for international aid. In this visit, Duttom met with the bishops of the affected areas, and heard the testimonies of those involved in this dramatic situation, pointing out the efficiency of the aid agencies involved in the emergency. In just 24 hours, he visited the cities of Concepcion, Ilocano, Penco, Tomé, and Constitucion, as well as other localities. After the visit, he is expected to draw up a report on the situation for Caritas Internationalis.
Two days ago UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, after his trip to Chile to observe the effects of the earthquake, insisted on the urgent need for shelter for those affected by this tragedy. "A place of shelter is very important and urgent both in Haiti and in Chile," said Ban Ki-Moon in New York, noting that the Chilean government has urgently requested the provision of housing and mobile hospitals, generators, and communications equipment . During his visit to the Chilean capital of Santiago, the UN Secretary-General participated with President-elect of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, in a meeting with hundreds of youth volunteers working in the Catholic group "A Roof for Chile."
This Catholic foundation builds houses for those living in the poor slums and offers them education, social services, and microcredit, as well as advice on buying a permanent home. "I was impressed by this volunteer work," Ban Ki Moon said, promising to continue to work to ensure that Chile will receive the assistance it needs. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/03/2010)
