OXFAM - 2010 Chile Earthquake (ASSESSMENTS)

3/8/10 SITE UPDATE:

The situation now

More than 200 aftershocks of 5.0 magnitude or greater have hit Chile since the earthquake at the end of February.

Food and medical supplies are reaching the population, and water supply networks are beginning to be re-established in some areas. Other areas are proving harder to reach and water is being tankered in, while damage to sanitation facilities (toilets and sewage systems) is considerable.
Oxfam's response

On the basis of our first assessment in the regions south of Santiago, Oxfam is planning a three-month response.

We will work in three of the worst-affected communities in Maule and Bio Bio coastal regions, distributing buckets and hygiene kits and supporting hygiene awareness activities to benefit 3,000 people.

We will also be providing technical advice to Government institutions on water distribution techniques and sanitation, promoting Sphere standards.

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UPDATE FROM THE SITE:

On the ground

Details on the impact of the earthquake on Chile are still emerging, but Oxfam's emergency response team is now en route and set to arrive in country on Monday 1 March.

The five-member team of emergency response experts, including water engineers and logisticians, will assess the situation and consult with the Chilean government to determine if and how Oxfam can offer assistance. If need be, they will be ready to help local partner organisations respond to the quake.

Even though the severity of the situation is unclear, Oxfam is preparing for the worst. The team flying in have years of experience in responding to earthquakes and Oxfam also has partners in the country who can begin to help immediately. Chile is a developed country with a very capable government and while it is unlikely that this disaster will be as severe as what we saw last month in Haiti, we want to be in place to help as soon as possible.

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FROM THE OXFAM BLOG:

Oxfam send staff to respond to Chilean Earthquake
February 27th, 2010 at 1:39 pm.

Oxfam is today sending a team of water engineers and logisticians from Colombia and senior humanitarian staff from its centre in Mexico in response to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Chile today. Oxfam is also contacting partners in the country so that the agencies response to the crisis can roll out as fast as possible.

Jeremy Loveless, Oxfam’s Deputy Humanitarian Director:

“Even though the severity of the situation is unclear, Oxfam is preparing for the worst and will be sending five staff out to Chile today to assess and consider how best to help the thousands of people effected by the disaster. The team flying in have years of experience in responding to earthquakes and Oxfam also has partners in the country who can begin to help immediately. Chile is a developed country with a very capable government and while it is unlikely that this disaster will be as severe as what we saw last month in Haiti, we want to be in place to help as soon as possible.”

For more information please contact Sam Barratt on + 44 7818 406050 email: sbarratt @oxfam.org.uk

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OXFAM Chile Earthquake Response Article (YAHOO News):
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/chilequakebritaincharity

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OXFAM NEWSBLOG:

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/applications/blogs/pressoffice/?v=newsblog

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OXFAM Twitter:

http://twitter.com/oxfamgb