The Periscope Post

Chile is getting to grips with the devastating earthquake 27 February that killed nearly 300 people and damaged buildings and roads throughout the nation. The Periscope Post‘s Fiona Scott reports from Santiago.

One week after Chile was rocked by one of the largest earthquakes in its history, the country is still coming to terms with the damaged suffered. While Santiago has returned to relative normality, the situation is still dire further south.

The military has now managed to regain control of the towns ravaged by violent looters – Concepcion is officially in the hands of the military after President Michelle Bachelete signed a decree handing over power under the circumstances. One resident of Concepcion recalled the two sleepless nights he spent guarding his family home from intruders before order was reinstated, describing his experience the first few days as being like in a “war zone”.

Aid is slowly reaching those most affected by the earthquake and the deadly tsunami that followed. But more aid is still desperately needed: Food, water, petrol and nappies are among the most sought after supplies. Hospitals and temporary clinics are working with what they have, but they also need more supplies.

Investigations are now being made into the increasingly apparent lack of coordination between many state bodies immediately after the quake. Questions are being raised about the lack of military presence on the streets within the first twenty-four hours in particular. Many blame Chile’s memories of past dictatorship for the current government’s hesitations to dispatch troops, but the general feeling is that this is an unacceptable excuse. As the recent presidential elections proved, Chile is ready to move on.

Claudio Castro, social director for NGO Un Techo Para Mi Pais (“A Roof for my Country”), said the Chilean branch of the organisation has pledged to build 30,000 temporary houses for those most in need. The headquarters in Santiago were buzzing as staff and volunteers work around the clock to get basic wooden structures up and habitable as soon as possible in the areas hit hardest. Thousands of student volunteers have come forward to help, and a national telethon will take place tonight in order to raise funds for the immediate relief process.

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