PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Brings Aid Following Earthquake in Chile
November 19, 2007 –Salvation Army emergency disaster services teams responded in northern Chile after an earthquake shook the region causing buildings to collapse and injuring 115 people. In addition to the original shock that measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, aftershocks have been plaguing the area causing additional damage.
“The community most severely affected was Tocopilla, where 2,600 homes were destroyed and another 2,500 suffered severe structural damage,” said Lt. Colonel Susan McMillan, who is second in command of The Salvation Army’s South America West Territory that includes the countries of Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. “The quake also was felt in southern Peru, but no damage or injuries have been reported there.”
The Salvation Army has centers and officers (pastors) that minister to people every day in the areas hit by the earthquake. This allowed The Salvation Army to respond immediately and assist residents affected by the quake despite suffering many of their own losses.
“The Salvation Army recently started a ministry in Tocopilla and a house that was renovated for the officer in charge, Captain Clauris Morales, was destroyed. Captain Morales was unharmed. He is removing what items of value he can salvage before the home is bulldozed along with others in the city in similar condition.”
According to McMillan the neighborhood was hit hard by the devastating quake and Salvation Army teams from surrounding areas are providing meals to residents who are now living in tents. Salvation Army officers are also providing emotional and spiritual care.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
