The recent death toll in Chile has caused an incredible amount of damage to the lives of its citizens and the infrastructure of the country.  this takes place shortly after the earthquake that occurred in Haiti in January.  The impact of the earthquake in Chile is devastating and has plunged the country into chaos.

To give some perspective regarding the size of this earthquake, we can compare it to the earthquake in Haiti which was a 7.0.  The earthquake in Chile was a 8.8, which was about 60 times stronger than what happened in Haiti and generated roughly 500 times more pure tectonic energy.  It toppled cities and halted the country’s economic and state systems and has victimized thousands.  An earthquake this strong is very rare, and only occurs about .3 times a year.

Since the earthquake hit there has been a wave of looting from local businesses.  Large numbers of people cleaning out inventory from stores all around the cities.  Rather it is truly stealing or is simply a means of survival depends on who you talk to.  Many of the looters are mothers and family members who are taking food and water because they have no other way to access it.  Others have been taking plasma TV sets and other items that are non-essential.  Police and firefighter units are busy and cannot keep up with the situation.

Regardless of the looting, the vast majority of people in Chile are struggling to survive in very difficult conditions.  The earthquake came without warning and took away the essentials that many families and individuals survive on.   The death toll in Chile is in the hundreds, and while that number may not be as high as other recent natural disasters, the need of the people in Chile cannot be underestimated.  The people in Chile are deeply in need of assistance in a variety of ways.  The country has declared this time to be a period of morning for the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.

There are many ways to help the victims in Chile that can be found online.  Below is a list we have compiled of some of the most organized and effective relief agencies that you can easily access and donate toward the cause:

Habitat of Humanity

World Vision

Convoy of Hope

American Red Cross

ADRA

Salvation Army

Images credited to The Big Picture