Earthquake and Tsunami strike Chile

On Saturday, February 27^th, a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the South American nation of Chile, killing more than 700 people and destroying communications, roads, buildings and other infrastructure. Further destruction was also caused along Chile's coastal communities by a tsunami that followed the initial earthquake, as well as numerous aftershocks.

The full extent of the damage is not yet known, but early estimates suggest that the earthquake and tsunami have destroyed as many as 500,000 homes and caused $30 billion in damage.

International relief efforts are underway. You can help with the relief effort by donating to one of the agencies below:

World Vision: http://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Crisis-Child-Partner/Pages/Crisis-Child-Partners.aspx

 

Canadian Red Cross: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/donate.aspx?EventID=45112&LangPref=en-CA

 

GlobalMedic: https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx?cookieCheck=true

 

Samaritan's Purse: https://secure.samaritan.ca/Donation/DonationPage.aspx?pc=099999&sc=ZWWW-0000

 

Salvation Army: https://secure.salvationarmy.org/donations.nsf/donate?openform&projectid=IHQ-LatinAmerica