As many of you had read and witnessed through various news accounts, a 8.8 magnitude earthquake rippled through the Maule region on the coast of Chile at 3:34 local time on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Afterwards, tsunami warnings were issued for 53 countries, and it was feared that the islands of Hawaii would suffer a massive attack.
Luckily, Hawaii was not effected by a tsunami which would have proved fatal if catastrophic. But the people of Chile are suffering and countries all over the world have lent their monies, personnel, and equipment to help those effected in Chile. Aftershocks are still being felt days later.
Chile is known for its vast crops including a fruit harvest that is currently being used in the United States during this time of the year. Many countries such as ours depend on Chile for their bountiful crops during our brutal winters. We are able to survive here with fruit and other seasonal items because countries like Chile are now in their summer season and able to grow fruit crops.
This could not be a worse time for an earthquake, especially so soon after the devastation in Haiti. Many humanitarian efforts came together in order to help in Haiti, and now those efforts must be torn in order to help those in Chile.
According to Chile’s President, 708 people have been declared dead. That count is subject to change as more bodies are being discovered.
Once again, the social media community has proven to be a valuable tool during this devastating natural disaster by reporting what’s happening on the ground, Skyping, and connecting missing loved ones with one another. If you are looking for a loved one or you have located a loved one for someone, you can use Google’s Person Finder for Chile.
To see our President’s official White House statement regarding Chile, click HERE.
If you would like to give to Chile, please visit this link to find out how you can contribute. These sites have been screened by Mashable.com as reputable agencies.
Let’s pray for those in Chile and let’s also not forget there is still a lot of work to be done in Haiti.
Give what you can.
Photo Courtesy of MailOnline
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