GLIDE n°. EQ-2007-000207-CHL
The International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation's disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond to disasters.
Summary: CHF 150,000 (USD 129,422 or EUR 89,659) was allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 17 November, 2007 to support the National Society in delivering assistance to some 6,250 beneficiaries.
The Northern coast of Chile was hit by an earthquake affecting some 25,000 people. This final report shows the objectives for this operation were successfully accomplished since distribution of all food and non-food items were completed, assisting 1,250 families.
The situation
A strong earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale hit the northern coast of Chile on 14 November, 2007 (source: United States Geological Survey). The epicenter was located 170 km northeast from the city of Antofagasta, inland near the town of Quillagua. The earthquake left two people dead and 155 injured, while a total of 25,000 people were affected. The area affected by the earthquake is characterized by high levels of poverty and social inequity.
On 15 November, the local authorities declared the areas of Tocopilla, Maria Elena and Quillagua a catastrophe zone due to the major structural damages sustained in high rise buildings, especially in the city of Antofagasta. According to the National Emergency Centre, the most affected town was Tocopilla where 80 percent of houses sustained major damages. Major roads were obstructed and utilities such as telephone and water were down but were quickly restored.
The health service and the Army provided water for human consumption, temporary camps, solid waste control, pest control and fumigation. In addition, the health service established measures to prevent hepatitis, epidemiological surveillance, promote prevention of enteric diseases and the early delivery of milk and food items.
The work to clear debris of damaged houses and demolition continued during the following weeks according to plan, but minor delays were encountered due to several tremors registered throughout the affected regions. These replicas reported no damages or casualties.
Red Cross and Red Crescent action
The Chilean Red Cross' (CRC) National Relief Department activated their response mechanisms and assisted the people affected by the earthquake. The regional committee from Antofagasta was deployed to the area with a volunteer team setting up two medical posts in coordination with a Health team. There were two Regional Intervention Team (RIT) members, 50 trained volunteers and a National Intervention Team (NIT) deployed to the affected areas. At the request of the CRC, PADRU deployed an officer specialized in Water and Sanitation to assist operations in the field.
The CRC performed several actions which included early damage and need assessments, distribution of humanitarian relief items, provision of medical emergency services. It also carried out initial psychosocial support actions. In alliance with Oxfam International, 565 families were surveyed and 314 families were given tents. The CRC coordinated the dispatch of diapers and blankets with the Government.
The DREF funds allowed the CRC to purchase locally and distribute all the emergency items for the hygiene kits and food parcel to benefit some 1,250 families in the affected area of Tocopilla.