Chile

• Context - Wealth and Development

  GDP - 298.2 billion USD - 38 / 193

  HDI - 41 / 187
• Causes

  At 3 am on the 27th February 2010, a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake occured just off the coast of Central Chile. The earthquake occured at the destructive plate margin where the South American plate is subducted by the Nazca plate.The earthquake was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks.

  Tsunami warnings were issued as waves originating from the epicentre crossed the Pacific Ocean at speeds of around 800 km/h
• Primary Effects

  • Around 500 died, and 12,000 injured, but over 800,000 affected.
  • 220,000 homes destroyed, along with 4500 schools, 56 hospitals, and 53 ports.
  • Santiago Airport and the Port of Talahuanao were severely damaged.
  • The earthquake disrupted power and water supplies and communication across Chile.
  • Cost about $30 billion.
• Secondary effects

  • Tsunami waves devastated several coastal towns
  • The tsunami struck several Pacific countries; however, warnings prevented a loss of life.
  • A fire at a Santiago chemical plant led to the local area needing evacuation.
  • Landslides destroyed up to 1500 km of roads, cutting off remote communities for days.
• Immediate responses

  • Emergency services responded quickly
  • International support provided field hospitals, satellite phones, and floating bridges.
  • Within 24 hours, the north to south highway was temporarily repaired, allowing aid to be transported from Santiago to areas affected by the earthquake.
  • Within 10 days, 90% of homes had power and water restored.
  • $60 million was raised after a national appeal, funding 30,000 small emergency shelters.
• Long term responses

  • Chile's government launched a housing reconstruction plan just one month after the earthquake to help nearly 200,000 affected families.
  • Chile's strong economy reduced the need for foreign aid to fund rebuilding.
  • The recovery took over four years.