ELCA Disaster Response helps to bring God’s comfort, healing and renewal to those affected by disasters.  And when the dust settles and the headlines change, ELCA Disaster Response stays to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.

Chile

Less than two weeks after the strongest quake in more than 50 years hit central Chile, an eartquake with a 7.2 magnitude again rocked Chile on March 11 with two major aftershocks recorded within 30 minutes.

The first quake hit at approximately 8:40 a.m. (cst) just as the new President, Sebastian Pinera, was about to be inaugerated. The second came 16 minutes later with a 6.7 magnitude, and the third came at 27 minutes, measuring at 6.0.  Extensive damage was reported in the central Chilean city of Rancagua. Damage is still being assessed but injuries appear to be minimal at this time.

As a precaution, the national emergency authories placed a tsunami alert for the coastal area where the quakes hit.

Take Action

• Read more on the ELCA Disaster Relief blog
• Give now

Haiti

On January 12 at 4:53 p.m., a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked the island country of Haiti, primarily impacting its capital of Port-au-Prince and its nearly 2 million residents. It is believed that more than 3 million citizens of Haiti are affected. The epicenter of the quake was centered approximately 10 miles west of Port-au-Prince. Offices, hotels, houses and shops have collapsed.

Already one of the poorest countries in the world, this catastrophe will exacerbate the suffering felt by many already living with hunger and poverty.

Take Action:

• Read more on the ELCA Disaster Relief blog, Haiti page
• Give now