Tzu Chi Assists Survivors of the Valparaiso Wildfires in Chile

In February, 2024, large-scale wildfires in the Valparaiso region became Chile’s worst natural disaster since the 2010 earthquake. The fires scorched more than 52,000 hectares, destroyed 15,000 homes, and claimed over 130 lives. Approximately 40,000 people were affected. In response to the disaster, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (BTCF) mobilized a humanitarian response supporting over 4,000 survivors.

As soon as the fires were contained, Tzu Chi volunteers traveled to the hardest-hit towns of Quilpué and Villa Alemana to conduct needs assessments. On February 24–25, the foundation held its first distribution of emergency relief supplies,to 202 households. Each family received approximately 35 kilograms of essential goods—sufficient to support a household for two months— including rice, noodles, lentils, flour, water, cooking oil, shoes, and more.

Expanding Outreach and Inclusion

A second assessment began on February 26 in Viña del Mar, targeting vulnerable neighborhoods such as Campamento Manuel Busto, El Olivar, and Canal Beagle. Despite some residents lacking formal housing status, Tzu Chi included undocumented families in its aid plan, upholding its humanitarian relief principles to provide “direct, targeted, respectful, pragmatic, and timely assistance without discrimination.” By March 4, the team had compiled a list of and additional 920 affected households, including those not eligible for government aid.

Introducing E-Voucher Distribution

To support longer-term recovery, Tzu Chi shifted from physical goods to digital aid through storeissued vouchers. Discussions began in early March with local supermarket chain Lider (a subsidiary of Walmart) to coordinate the distribution. Chile’s stringent anti-money laundering laws posed significant administrative hurdles, but after six months of paperwork and negotiation, final approval was secured in September.

Winter Relief

Due to the administrative delays in the voucher rollout, Tzu Chi volunteers provided winter aid on June 23 to bridge the gap. Distributed items included blankets, bedsheets, and food for schoolchildren to help families survive the harsh cold.

From March to September, volunteers conducted ten rounds of field assessments across hilly terrain as well as impoverished urban areas, collaborating with local leaders and municipal offices to verify beneficiaries and avoid duplication. Altogether, 1,196 households (comprising 4,319 individuals) were registered in Quilpué, Viña del Mar’s Independencia district, and the Limonar sector.

Three major voucher distribution events were held on September 28–29 in Quilpué and Viña del Mar, reaching 1,181 families. Voucher values were scaled based on household size: CLP 600,000 (USD 650) for small households, CLP 800,000 for medium-sized households, and CLP 1,000,000 for families with seven or more members.

On October 17, a final voucher distribution was held for 15 families who were selected to receive previously unclaimed aid due to changes in contact information or the death of original recipients.

The Dedication of Volunteers

Despite the remoteness of the disaster sites—over 116 kilometers from Tzu Chi Chile’s office in Santiago— volunteers made repeated trips for assessments, coordination, and distribution. The initiative marked the first time the organization used a voucher system in Chile, representing a significant logistical and financial undertaking that involved coordination with government agencies, retailers, and local stakeholders.

“In Chile, where volunteers are few, this was possible only thanks to the collective strength and persistence of many people,” said volunteer Yang Ying-Ling. “What we accomplished was not easy—but it shows how powerful compassion can be when we work together.”

BTCF Volunteers in Chile continue to care for the wildfire survivors as they gradually recover from the disaster.

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a global non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1966 by Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Its missions of medicine, charity, education, and humanistic culture have brought relief to 136 countries. The heart of Tzu Chi is embedded in its name: in Chinese, “Tzu” means compassion and “Chi” relief, to relieve the suffering of those in need while creating a better world for all through compassion, love and hope. For more information, visit global.tzuchi.org. For additional information and media inquiries, welcome to contact us through this form.