Updates on Chilean earthquake

Two women with ties to Powell recently sent updates about their experiences and observations following the Feb. 27 earthquake in Chile.

Former Northwest College student Sara Munoz of Valparaiso, Chile, told about her experiences for a story by Tribune News Editor Ilene Olson in the March 2 Powell Tribune. She reports she has seen improvements in the Valparaiso area since the earthquake.

“The most affected areas finally received basic supplies that were sent not only from Chilean people, but also from many other countries,” she wrote on March 2. “Military forces are helping to restore order because, you know, people (are) going crazy everywhere. But, at least in Valparaiso, things are a lot better. I went today to check my apartment because it was very damaged. That’s why I am staying with my mom (at) the moment… Thank God, we are slowly recovering from this situation.”

But challenges continue.

On Sunday, Munoz wrote, “Things are busy around here. My apartment was more damaged than what I thought, so I have to move. I guess I'll be staying with my mom a longer time than I expected, but it is still good that I have her.

“Generally, everyone is trying to go back to normality, but it is being hard... there is still a massive panic because little earthquakes don't want to stop. We have had more tsunami alerts, nothing serious (has) happened but people (are) scared.

“I am helping as volunteer to deliver some supplies to people from some parts of the region that were really affected by everything, so that (has) helped me to feel more happy to have all my family together with me and alright.”

Anne Hedderman, a Powell High School graduate, has lived in Chile for three years. Hedderman, story is featured in today’s Tribune.

On Monday, she wrote:
“There have been many aftershocks, some of them almost 7s on the Richter scale. Even if people didn't lose their houses or apartments, they are still sleeping outside in fear of sleeping under anything that could fall due to all of these aftershocks or ‘replicas.’ The ground just continues to shake, and that has a lot of people stressed and worried.

“(But) there have been some really hopeful things happen in the past few days. Starting on Friday night and going until midnight on Saturday, they had a nationally-televised fundraiser in order to raise money for reconstruction. Banks in every town in Chile were open around the clock, and because it was televised, all the biggest companies and famous Chileans wrote big checks, almost trying to outdo the other. There was great music, dancing — it was very hopeful.

“In Coyhaique, where I live, bands were playing next to the banks, and people were going in a few at a time to give what they could, returning quickly to dance and watch the main event in Santiago projected on a big screen. That raised about $59 million, but many project that it will take like $31 billion to reconstruct.

“Another piece of news is that the people who looted supermarkets, shops and pharmacies during the chaos have started to return a lot of the goods that were stolen! Following a few arrests, stolen goods began pouring into designated garages. Mostly, they were TVs, couches, stereos, refrigerators, etc. Obviously, basic food staples that people stole were not questioned.

“Even though the outgoing president Michelle Bachelet has the best approval ratings in the history of Chilean presidents, she was criticized for her administration’s response to the disaster. She waited like 36 hours before declaring a catastrophe, which would have allowed the military to take control of the streets, thus probably curtailing the looting and (would have sped up the) arrival of aid.

“People have said that she hesitated to give the military power because of Chile's tragic experience with 16 years of ruthless military control. I don't believe that; I think they really just honestly didn't have all the information nor understand the magnitude of the disaster.

“It will be interesting because this week, the president-elect Pinera will take power with a whole new administration. It is not the best time to change designated leaders in every region of Chile. So, it will be interesting to see how smooth the transfer goes.”