PAHO - Pan American Health Organization

Published purpose

12 March, 2010 - An earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck at a depth of 35 km near the coast of Chile on February 27, 2010. This was the country’s largest earthquake in 25 years. The earthquake was followed by a tsunami that affected the Pacific Basin, and caused significant damage to communities on the coast of Chile. Hundreds of people have been reported killed, and damage is estimated to be US $12 billion. The Government of Chile has suggested that it may take years for the country to rebuild. The Canadian International Development Agency's (CIDA) contribution is helping the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) re-establish emergency health services, provide essential medicines and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics, and improve water and sanitation conditions in the most affected parts of Chile.