Oxfam Canada

Published purpose

12 March, 2010 - An earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck at a depth of 35km 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 Oxfam Canada to provide clean water, sanitation facilities, essential non-food items, and public health promotion activities to earthquake affected people in Chile. In addition, Oxfam is working with the Chilean authorities to plan for the safe reconstruction of houses that were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake.