ADRA Responds to Chile Earthquake
5th March, 2010
Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding to the needs of people in Chile, following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated many communities last Saturday.
ADRA Chile, following a request from the Chilean National Office of Emergencies and Information (ONEMI), immediately provided emergency water supplies to Talca and Concepción, two cities close to the earthquake’s epicentre. In addition, ADRA is procuring vital food supplies and other essential items, such as tents, blankets and mattresses, for distribution to affected community members. ADRA continues to work alongside ONEMI and other responding agencies as assessments and response activities continue.
“We are saddened to hear of the suffering of people in Chile, following this terrible disaster”, said ADRA Australia’s Director of Emergency Management, Chris Olafson. “ADRA is working with relevant partners in the area, including government response agencies and other non-government organisations, to assist those affected. These people need a lot of support as they come to terms with this awful event and begin to rebuild their lives. Our hearts go out to them.”
Several ADRA offices from around the world are supporting the response efforts, including funding from ADRA Australia. ADRA Australia’s support comes from its Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund, which enables timely and appropriate emergency support to communities in Australia and overseas. Donations can be made to ADRA Australia’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting www.adra.org.au.
The massive earthquake, which hit off the coast of Chile at approximately 3.30am on 27 February, has caused the deaths of almost 300 people, destroyed approximately 500,000 homes and damaged a further 1.5 million, and affected an estimated 13 million people.
ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable development projects and emergency management activities for people in need in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is a member of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and has full accreditation with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). It is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to ACFID’s Code of Conduct. ADRA Australia is part of the international ADRA network, which has a presence in 125 countries. ADRA is the worldwide humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For more information about ADRA Australia, or to sign up for email updates, visit ADRA Australia's website.
...
 | ADRA Responds to Chile Earthquake (43 kb) |
Media Enquiries:
Candice Jaques
p 02 9489 5488
m 0407 172 305
e news@adra.org.au
www.adra.org.au
