ColibriVentura - GUIDING in PATAGONIA

GUIDING in PATAGONIA

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

EARTHQUAKE EN CHILE

27. February 2010, 03:47 Local time: there was an 8.8 Richter Scale earthquake , duration of about 3.5 minutes in Chile. the epicentre was situated close to CONCEPCION, south of Santiago.

If You want to HELP AND DONATE MONEY: Chile's BancoEstado opened an account for deposits from the foreign countries in USD and EUR.

Bank Name: BANCOESTADO
Bank Key: BECHCLRM
Deposit your donation in the name of: "El mundo ayuda a Chile".
account N° for deposits in US$: 001-080-29501
account N° for deposits in EUR: 001-080-29609

If you want to help someone specific, please ask. We might be able to direct the help to the right person(s)/cause

Especially affected are the regions Maule, O Higgins, Bio Bio, Metropolitana, cities like Santiago, Valparaiso, CONCEPCION, CONSTITUCION. The seismic activities could be felt all the way down to CHAITEN, in COYHAIQUE the eartquake was not sensed.

Short after the earthquake large waves (tsunami) affected the coastal areas of the 5th to 8th region, leaving devastated infrastructure. In most coastal settlements the alarm systems worked so almost all the people could save themselves. The island Juan Fernandez was hit by some large waves, destroying the coastal installations of this village. The Easter island did not suffer human loss when the waves hit later over there.

Bridges, road infrastructure and more than 2.000.000 buildings were severly damaged/destroyed or are inhabitable.

The Metro of Santiago is working since Monday morning without mayor problems. The international airport of Santiago is open again for international flights, there the runways and the tower are fine but the terminal received some damage. Passengers arriving in SCL will be brought by special buses to Santiago centre to avoid traffic jams and more problems.

Unfortunately, over 800 fatalities are reported so far most of them from the Region of Maule. This was one of the mayor earthquakes ever occurred in recent history. It affected 80% of the Chilean population.

There has been constant re-occurences of seismic movements (more than 200 cases until now), of which the strongest was grade 6 Richter scale and had a duration of 2 minutes in the morning of the 28. of february at half past eight local time.

Communication outside of the most affected areas is working. The national TV sender shows images right from the most affected areas. For many people its difficult to find out about their loved ones who are living in the affected areas. The Hams of Chile help a lot, what is really missing here is a solar power backup of their station batteries.

Now the government tackles the next problem in this emergency situation. Important is the re-establishment of the power net (distribution lines went down) and Water and shelter.

Besides the challenges the earthquake posed to people, there are also vandalism and people and establishments gets robbed. For this reason and to protect the affected people in Bio Bio and Maule, the president sent the military down. They of course have the primary task to help in the emergency situation, supporting the distribution of goods of first needs like water, food, medical supplies to the people and help with SAR, build field hospitals and emergency shelters.

The South of Chile was not affected by the seismic event. We are on standby with our radios and try to help where we can.

IF YOU LOOK FOR SOMEONE IN THE AFFECTED AREAS YOU CAN CONTACT US AND WE WILL TRY TO HELP YOU.

Olaf und Jammie from Coyhaique, Patagonien, Chile - Wednesday 03.03.2010 12:11 Local time

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Do you want to visit Patagonia, get to know the area, it’s people and have amazing adventures or just escape the stresses of every day life?

Would you prefer an individual service and travel alone or travel in a small group?

Is there a special trip you would like to do in Chile or do you need information for a particular project?

ColibriVenturawill guide and help you achieve your goals!

Colibri Ventura offers Tours, Expeditions, Activities and other Services, we specialise in the lesser known areas of Patagonia and the XI Region of Aysén, Chile.

If you don’t want to explore Patagonia or the XI Region of Aysén on foot, we offer various alternatives such as 4x4 vehicle tours, skiing, small costal vessel and inflatable boat trips, horse riding or fly-fishing trips.

We have years of Experience in the area of Expedition Logistics and Information Management in different parts of the World. Land & Mine Surveying and Project Assessment are further areas where we will provide a guaranteed and professional service to a very high standard.

At Colibri Ventura we live, work and pay our taxes right here in Patagonia in the XI Region of Aysén, Chile. We have vast local knowledge and local contacts where we happily operate in three languages.

Our Chilean-German relationship guarantees a good harmony between European and Latin American culture and values.

We are looking forward to hearing from you

Jammie & Olaf
The ColibriVentura Team