ON 2 January 2011 the southern portion of Chile was hit by a 7.1 strong (Richter scale) earthquake throughout the Araucanía and Biobío regions of the country. The tremor, which lasted approximately one minute, produced panic and alarm. Telephone lines were down for more than 20 minutes.
The epicentre of the tremor was located in Tirúa, near Puerto Saavedra, which is close to Temuco. Many people spent the night barricaded on the surrounding hills in fear of a possible tsunami or more tremors. Some parts of the affected area are without electricity and water, however, there has not been any major damage or loss of life recorded.
No Salvation Army personnel were injured and no Army property was damaged.
Salvation Army Chile South Divisional Commander Major Antonio Arguedashas said that people in the area are still suffering from trauma caused by the major earthquake of February 2010 and 'this second large earthquake has added to their state of shock'. He requested prayer for all who have been affected.
The Chile government has not called upon The Salvation Army or any other organisation to provide relief assistance.
