Earthquake in Chile / we need help

[/caption] Maule Itata COASTKEEPER, who works to protect the coast between Muale and Itata, would like to convey our gratitude for the expressions of concern and sympathy over the tragic earthquake that occurred in Chile last Saturday, as well as offer our sincere condolences to all of those affected by this disaster. Firstly, we are thankful and want to share that Rodrigo de la O, a Coastkeeper who lives in Cuanipe, is safe and doing well with his family. The devastating earthquake had an intensity of 8.3 in Santiago and 8.8 in Cobquecura, affecting 80% of Chile, and has obviously wreaked severe havoc and caused serious connectivity problems across the country. While initially the Chilean authorities ruled out the possibility of a tsunami, in reality large waves arrived within minutes inundating and decimating entire villages. Hours later authorities confirmed a tsunami was spawned by the quake that has so far caused 711 deaths. Although unfortunately this number will likely increase significantly as aid and rescue operations have still yet to reach some of the most affected villages. The epicenter of the earthquake, off of the coast of Coquecura, and other coastal towns such as Curanipe, Pelluhue, Chanco, and Constitución, are the most damaged and are precisely the places where our Maule Itata COASTKEEPER program is operated. Consequently, at this point the program will turn its focus on aiding the homeless in providing food, water, and shelter to those in need, and will travel to the area this week to help Rodrigo de la O with this support. We urgently need your help! If

you are able to contribute you can contact us at 056-02-4217563 during office hours, as cell phones do not work regularly, or you may deposit funds in the current account: Name : Fiscalía del Medio Ambiente RUT : 74.494.800-2 Cta. Cte. Nº 5-038-00014-02 Bank : Banco de Chile Sucursal : Ahumada Código swift : BCHICLRM]]>