News update on Chile as at 17 March, 2010 from Dona Collins, rscj

 

Sofia Baranda, the Provincial of Chile, has spent time visiting the communities, teachers, alumnae and families of those affected by the earthquake in Concepcion. Groups of volunteers from among our students and alumnae have been active in helping to clean houses and return things to order but recurring after shocks continue to hinder efforts. People are still fearful and dealing with pain and loss.   Our school in Concepcion has been inspected by engineers and architects to asses the amount of structural damage. Although there are many cracks in the walls and floor the building is sound. However, the chapel will need further study as it appears to have suffered more damage. It is hoped that the teachers and administrators might be able to return to the school around the middle of April. Classes will resume gradually as arrangements can be made.   For the moment the school patio is being used as a place where people can come to collect pensions and other government benefits.

News update on Chile as at 6 March, 2010 from Dona Collins, rscj
Deadly earthquake hits central Chile

With electricity cut during the days immediately following the earthquake it was difficult to communicate. Reaching RSCJ was also further hampered as many were just returning to their communities at the end of the long school holidays. The Provincial has now been able to reach most of the RSCJ in the different parts of the country. Many properties were damaged and one is total uninhabitable.  The sisters suffered no major injuries. Some sisters lost relatives and others know that family members are now homeless.  A teacher and an administrator in the school in Concepción were injured.

It is a time of great uncertainty and insecurity in the region affected by the earthquake. Our schools have suffered structural damage and there is fear of looting while they stand empty. Water and electricity is gradually being restored in some areas. In Concepción the collapse or severe structural damage to bridges over the Bio Bio River is making it difficult to reach the school. Enormous energy as well as financial resources will be needed to clean and gather together what will be needed to open these institutions so that they can again become centers for reaching out to others in need.

Please contact your National President if you wish to give some financial help. They will have the account number and details.  Thank you.