Chile, be strong (Fuerza Chile)

Earlier this year, Chile, the land where my entire family lives, suffered from one of the most powerful earthquakes in history. The 8.8 earthquake shook violently for nearly 90 seconds, and was followed by multiple tremors in the days and weeks after, with the  most powerful aftershock measuring 6.9.  At the time, my family in Texas was very concerned because we didn't have contact with any family member there. It took a couple of days for my brother to make himself heard, but overall, everyone was ok, and no one in our immediate family died.

Earlier this month, a gold and copper mine suffered a collapse, causing 33 miners to be trapped beneath the earth at approximately 2300 feet (700 m.) Over two weeks later, the first sign of life came through a pipe with the message

"We are alright in the refuge the 33 of us"

I can't even begin to tell you the euphoria we all felt knowing that 2 weeks later, the miners were alive, and most amazingly, all 33 were still in good health.

Time will test their strength as estimates have come through saying it will take up to 4 months to drill the hole, half a mile down, to reach them and pull them out one by one.

(Yahoo's article here)

Vamos Chilenos!

Chile Earthquake

In the early hours of Saturday, February 27, 2010, Chile suffered from an 8.8 magnitude earthquake which damaged the structure of many buildings in 5 regions across the country. It set off large waves on nearby islands which claimed the lives of a few dozen people in addition to hundreds in metropolitan and urban areas as a result from the rubble. The numbers are only increasing.

My entire family (with the exception of one of my brothers, cousins and grandmother) lives in Chile. Unable to communicate with anyone, we have been using Facebook as a means to pass information along with other family members to update each other on their current situations. To time, I have received the news from my cousins and aunts that everyone is okay. They have suffered minor damages to personal possessions, but they are all safe.

But I've yet to hear anything from my other brother, and the phone lines are still down. Because Chile has a long history of natural disasters, the government is more prepared in coordinating relief and rescue efforts. I am therefore confident that my brother and his family are okay as well.

 

I hope that the casualties aren't overwhelming, and that many more survivors are rescued.