Salvation Army emergency relief teams in South America have been kept very busy in recent weeks. The conflict in Bolivia and earthquake in Iquique, northern Chile, have now been followed by floods and landslides in the southern regions of Chile.
The central and southern part of Chile have been experiencing tremendous amounts of rainfall in the past few days. More than the yearly average fell during one recent weekend in Concepción. In Santiago it rained constantly for days, leaving some areas of the city in a critical situation.
In the area of Concepción there was a landslide, caused by the rain, which left several communities in a 'red alert' condition. Many had to flee their homes and take refuge in a stadium. The Salvation Army immediately began to help by providing hot food.
Lieut-Colonel Susan McMillan, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army's South America West Territory, reports from Santiago: 'We have been working with the local emergency organisations and the Government's emergency coordination agency. They have assigned to The Salvation Army a community in Concepción called Nueva Prat, where there are 94 families – approximately 300 people. We immediately dispatched our relief teams to offer support and practical assistance with supplies of food, clothing, paraffin – for cooking and heat – and blankets.'
In parts of Santiago where homes have been flooded similar relief supplies have been distributed.
Financial support has been made available to fund this latest relief effort, but the frequency of recent emergencies has seen disaster reserves depleted. Donations may be sent to the Latin America Disaster Fund at International Headquarters or made online using a major credit card.
International Headquarters
