In brief

Programme purpose: Support the ten National Societies in the South American Region to effectively operationalize the Inter American Plan 2007 - 2011.

Programme summary:

2008 was a transition year for the Federation Secretariat in South America. After the establishment of the Zone office, the Regional Representation for South America reduced its personnel to 16, revised budgets and plans in line with adjusted capacities and support, and implemented the decision to create a second Regional Representation

The five countries of the Southern Cone - Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay - are highly exposed to a combination of factors such as floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, droughts, health emergencies, densely populated urban areas, political instability and internal disturbances that exacerbate the vulnerabilities of large poor and marginalized populations. This situation, combined by high levels of inequity and lack of access to basic services, makes communities more vulnerable and sets a major humanitarian challenge, which is addressed

SANTIAGO, May 23 (Reuters) - Heavy rains and flooding that killed five people and displaced thousands in south-central Chile have collapsed road and rail bridges, closed the world's largest underground copper mine and left many in the capital without drinking water, the government said on Friday.

Many schools remained closed in Santiago and elsewhere after floodwaters churned up sediment at water treatment plants, while several rivers burst their banks farther south, deluging thousands of homes.

'More than seven rivers have overflowed,'