Photo above: Building destroyed in Concepción. Photo by Claudio Núñez.
A message from the Revd Philip Sallis, priest assistant at St Alban's Balmoral who is currently living in Talca and working at universities in Talca and Concepcion - the epicentre of the disaster zone. 5/3/2010
"This email is to ask for financial support to assist the relief effort much needed in Chile. This earthquake is the fifth largest ever recorded, with territorial damage that exceeds all others. Aftershocks continue with the latest being 6.5, so similar to the one yesterday in Taiwan. In Chile these aftershocks will continue for two months or more recalling terrifying moments of the first big one for all who were there.
Talca (the Region of Maule capital) is extensively damaged as are all other cities, towns and villages in the region, including huge loss of life from the tsunami. The stories are just awful. The Maule Region is the third poorest in the country. Many people who normally live a hand-to-mouth existence in sub-standard living conditions are now entirely homeless and much worse off. Looting and public disorder has been a consequence mostly of hungry desperate people but sadly some opportunists have been breaking into houses and buildings, stealing goods of all kinds and threatening the community. The Army, who have been great at establishing field hospitals, re-building bridges and roads, organising food distribution etc have also needed to take on a policing role and a military curfew in the Region exists from 8pm to 6am each day. The resources of the Police, emergency and other public services are understandably stretched and under pressure.
The stories of individuals are varied and numerous but all are harrowing. The expressions of loss, fear, uncertainty and eagerness by our friends and colleagues for our continued presence to help re-establish work and private life has been enough to prevent us simply returning to NZ. It is an easy choice for us because over the past few years we have become a part of this place and their lives and besides, we have responsibilities here.
Without detailing the situation any more, I am writing to ask if you would like to make a donation, which will immediately be passed onto the University chaplaincies which are playing a key role in the relief of immediate and extreme need.
Donations - marked Chile appeal may be made to:
St Alban's Vestry
Account Number: 123016 0569588 00
Or by mail, payable to St Alban's Vestry and marked "Chile Appeal" to:
PO Box 96167
Dominion Road
Balmoral
Auckland 1342