Day 2 Chile Quake : 2.28.10

Newer Apartment building Collapse in Concepcion , you can not tell but this was a 15 story tall building-its on it's side.Sadly Concepcion also was hit within the first hour of the quake by huge waves (Tsunami).Most of the buildings in Chile have been built with Reinforced Concrete since the 1960 9.5 Quake (which is what was not used in Haiti). There have been over 90 Aftershocks in first 36 hours. Death toll stands at 708, more than 350 in Concepcion. There will be many lessons in this quake and hopefully by examining structures in the two countries, comparisons can lead to better construction for Haiti ( and Chili as well).Lessons learned can and will lead to lives saved and better Disaster Prevention and preparation.
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Not all Coastal Highways and Bridges held up to the 8.8 Quake, and the aftershocks range from 5.1 to 6.9, so there is concern about many structures at this point. The 2nd photo is one from Concepcion, the city closest to the epicenter, it has been very hard to find many photos from Concepcion.
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Again more concern about Roads ( esp for bringing in Aid and relief). ( this photo is from Santiago).
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GOOGLE has set up a ChileEarthquake page for information and resources,really helpful. Scroll down for more links & resources, updates in the Comments section.
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The President flies over the Quake Zone, Concepcion is in ruins(on Saturday Afternoon).....the rubble is staggering...She did immediately declare her country a Catastrophe and declare an emergency. In photos you can see police and Search and Rescue Teams already at work. The roads and bridges were damaged, as well as many older buildings and Churches that had survived the 1960 9.5 quake.
The Quake effected over 1.5-2 million people leaving thousands homeless. Concepcion is a city of over 670,000 with many highrises and hotels and University Housing. As of today 708 are known dead, extent of injured and missing not known at this time.( The 1960 Quake killed approximately 2000, but also did not occur during the night, so mortality rates were lessoned).
The Quake was 21 miles below surface, the actual length of the effected quake ridge is estimated to be over 400 miles.( please see the CSMonitor article below comparing the Haiti and Chile quakes).
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Boston Globe BIG PICTURE really shows the extensive damage, and shows that even newer roads and bridges have damage.
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A man stands in the middle of what was his apartment building overwhelmed and devastated
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These two maps/graphs explain about the Tsunami Dangers and risks from the massive quake, the Chile quake was 600 times stronger than the Haiti quake and the epicenter near BioBio and Concepcion near the Shoreline experinced the worst of the quake. On CNN they keep showing the damage from Santiago which is approximately 200 miles from the epicenter, the photos from Concepcion will be much worse. Concepcion has had previous devastating quakes in this century and the last century, which hopefully has effected the strength of the structures. ( Pelluhue and Talcohuano/Port also experienced immediate Tsunami as well).
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Chile Navy admits mistake in not issuing immediate Tsunami warning related to the Quake for the Coastal Areas and for the Islands.
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This photo shows Pellehue a seaside town near within 60 miles of the Epicenter. It is clear that a Large Wave or Tsunami did effect this town with debris and flood damage seen. In the next few days the photos of Concepcion and other seaside towns will show the extent of the damage. The small towns and seaside Communities may have indeed suffered major Tsunami Damage, that will be revealed over next few days.
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During the 24 hours of the Tsunami Risk, the Twitter Community played a keyroll in keeping people informed and connected and indeed may be a tool that can save lives in such a geographical disaster. People around the world were able to warn each other and tell each other how to prepare and be safe. As someone who did Intermediary work with the Christmas Quake and Tsunami it was very inspiring recognizing that we now have a tool that allows people to informed and protected. The Tsunami may have mostly harmed Chile Seaside Communities and Islands, time will tell. The rest of the world had waves that were monitored carefully and watched by millions.
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8PM Updates from the MSM
The Guardian has full page showing the damage, including roads and structures. Over the next few days hopefully we will see if the infrastructure can care for the people.
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BBC has videos and maps, interviews and full page of news on the situation.
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8PM Updates from the MSM
The Guardian has full page showing the damage, including roads and structures. Over the next few days hopefully we will see if the infrastructure can care for the people.
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BBC has videos and maps, interviews and full page of news on the situation.
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Mashable has made a whole page that shows how you can give online to help Chile Aid and Relief Efforts.
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Christian Science Monitor explains why the Chile Quake was 900 times Stronger than the Haiti Quake.
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CNN update explores the angst of the people, many are without water or food, and after 70 aftershocks most do not want to return home. Looting has started but the people are frustated that Military would be used to protect stores when people are hungry and need water and shelter.( it reminds me of the Katrina arguments....is is really looting if people are taking food and water ?)
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Telegraph UK has more about the Quake and Tsunami and risks to Easter Island.
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Talcahuano ( Port)- a Southern Coastal City less than 50 miles from the Epicenter, that experienced the quake and the Tsunami that followed.

Do keep Haiti in your prayers and give to their ongoing needs...

The rains have started there, ahead of schedule Thousands in the Homeless "Tent Cities" do not even have tents. Please click the title and it will take you to list of Charities and NGOs committed to helping the Quake Survivors. ( Faydra Deon's Charity List is so helpful and easy to use.) The Rains pose huge risks for the exposed populations in regards to hygiene and disease risks. They need tarps and tents and Shelter to decrease the risks.

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NYT has update about the risks,including slides, floods and even drownings.

Chile Earthquake (2:20AM EST) USGS upgraded to 8.8

Photo by Kevin Collins ( Santiago)
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IF YOU KNOW PEOPLE ON SOUTH AMERICAN PACIFIC COAST PLEASE TEXT THEM TO GET TO HIGH GROUND (Power out-but Twitter/Texting Working) State Dept number for anyone concerned about a friend or loved one in Chile: 1-888-407-4747
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Map of Perdicted Tsunami Estimated times ( Pacific) (thanks to @Unclo on Twitter)

Hawaii Tsunami Issued, as well as Pacific Ring of Fire Area....see below
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First photo 4am ( less than 2hours after the quake)
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4AM UPDATE:::
Quake is the middle of Night, most power is out. It has been atleast 2 hours Conception/Maule, felt as far as Santiago over 200 miles away. There is no power and no reports coming out. It was felt in Beunos Aires. 6 confirmed dead. Cellphones are also out-BUT if you have relatives down there-please do text them. Twitter again is WORKING. Quake was 62 Times Stronger than Haiti Quake, and only 21 Miles (25-35KM first reports say),so this quake is shallow ( which poses greater Quake Damage/Tsunami Risk).

TSUNAMI UPDATES
3:18AM First Tsunami Warnings Issued Due to Reports.
Tsunami Warnings&Update Number 2 Do See ALL Waves -Entire South America Coast Under Alert NOAA Warnings Critical
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M8.8 - Offshore Maule, Chile - 2010 February 27 06:34:14 UTC
-35° 50' 47.04", -72° 43' 8.04"

M6.2 - Offshore Maule, Chile - 2010 February 27 06:52:35 UTC
-34° 44' 6.72", -72° 38' 16.44"

M5.6 - Offshore Bio-Bio, Chile - 2010 February 27 07:33:31 UTC
-38° 0' 24.48", -73° 29' 1.68"
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Recent earthquakes near Chile :: Google Maps

Time Magnitude Location
1 hour ago 5.6 Offshore Bio-Bio, Chile Map
2 hours ago 6.2 Offshore Maule, Chile Map
2 hours ago 8.8 Offshore Maule, Chile Map
earthquake.usgs.gov
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9am Updates Chile QUAKE update:
So far 79 people confirmed dead. Santiago is reporting Damaged Airport-flights on hold for 24 hours, Santiago is 200 miles away from epicenter. Information from Maule or Concepticion -there are NO reports from that zone yet. the Quake was felt far and wide in South America , all the way to Argnentina. By 5AM Tsunami Warnings and Advisories were issued in the Pacific for as far away as Australia to French Polynesian Islands. Even Easter Island was effected and is to be possibly evacuated. In Chile the President without first few hours issued statement and Declared an Emergency, and also stated that a large Wave had hit SoutherChile Coast. ( We are still awaiting news on this). One large connecting bridge has collapsed and there is Road damage and massive power outage, and cellphones are not working. People are encouraged to use Text Messages and Twitter for communication ( CNN).

Aftershocks have been more than 25, original quake lasted for over 3minutes rates at 8.8,aftershocks and followup quakes have been 4.2-6.9.

9AM Update:: Please read and share information below. As Hawaii is facing a Tsunami WARNING and Civil Defense is going to be sounding Alarm at 6am and Using EVACmodeling. Please see LINKS below or follow me on Twitter @watergatesummer

NOAA Hawaii #Tsunami Information and EvacMaps

NOAA has issued Advisories and Warnings for the Pacific, I have the Estimated Times of when a Tsunami could/would reach the Pacific and the West Coast, and it is worth looking at by location to be aware.

Civil Defense will be issuing alarms and EVAC maps-this is their information for Hawaii

NOAA buoy Maps show the actual Tsunami wave monitoring

CNN report of Chile Quake and the Situation first 5hours and the Pacific and Ring of Fire Tsunami Risks.

Excellent thorough Reporting by BBC about the Quake and some video as well.

First CBS reports and updates by 7am.

CBS video and reports

Paul Evans wrote a really good blog post explaining the Chile Earthquake and Tsunami issues, a really helpful posting. 670,000 Live in Conceptcion near the Epicenter. It is estimated that up to 3 million felt the quake.

Link from ReliefWeb (1st Report) regarding USGS/Logistical Data re; Chile Quake, 1.7 MB PDF LINK is here.
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2PM President gave update live on Cable.
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3PM Updates Santiago Footage starting to come in, still none from EpiCenter. Hawaii has started moving/evacing people and really organized dealing with this situation. The Waves should be coming to shore within the next hour ( or2).
147 Confirmed Dead Chile. Please read below and you will see Hawaii has been issued Tsunami warnings, but so has Most of Pacific Rim including most Island Nations and even Russia,French Polynesia New Zealand and Australia and many other Pacific Countries.USGS /NOAA Bouy maps do show activity/motion throughout Pacific.

HAWAII CIVIL DEFENSE WEBSITE HAS GREAT INFORMATION.

GOOGLE has set up a PERSONFINDER ( posted by State Dept on Twitter)

State Dept. has set up a really organized thorough Website for the ChileQuake

NOAA #15 Hawaii Warning

Shoq on Twitter has set up a whole page for Information and resources

IF you have relatives in Tsunami Zone- Pacific encourage they get to high Ground, and if they can go to the Hawaii Websites I posted above that give EvacZones and other emergency info. Tell them to pack meds, food water and blankets, and if they have pets tell them to check the Website for plans for pets. Hotels have special instructions as well. ( Some are supposed to have guests go to Higher floors, others are on Evac List. Encourage they stay calm, Take Radio if they have. Ask that they remain vigilant and monitor surf but also how animals act, especially birds and fish. If they live near shore and can see Coastline ( ie from a window) They might series of Rolling Waves or they might see Ocean evacuate, leave shore. Risk is that Tsunami can travel with force up to a mile inland. American Samoa and Guam ,French Polynesian Islands are all at risk 1-8 Feet waves that can roll at great force. Encourage they can Skype or Text or Twitter messages.
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Sunday Morning Update

BIG PICTURE from Boston Globe

Keith Olbermann's Special Comment ( before the HealthCare Summit)

On twitter tonight- we all talked about Keith and his dad....sadly I think his dad has taken a turn for the worse,so keep him and his dad in your prayers ( a wonderful twittersoul posted this photo.....)
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Part One,very personal and heartbreaking....but Real.

Part Two, his final plea....

Winter Break

This is my street ....this winter....looks lovely with snow...the houses look cleaner, brighter in the snow...and the street seems less empty....less lonely...It has only been sunny about 4 times since New Years....I have had an interesting New Year....cold,flu and sick computers....so I am lying low...trying to get caught up on editing...and get The Book done....I will be back in March...for now I need to get through Winter..and get the Book done....much love and prayers to long time friends....
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About Believing....

About Getting What we give......

Haiti Updates Below :Orphans and Tent Issues

As we head into February Haiti is still reeling from the January 12th Earthquake, there are many logistical issues regarding the needs of this struggling nation. Below are some of the recent needs that require more outside Focus and concentrated giving.As much of the media has now left it will be up to all of us to stay vigilant that this wounded nation gets the care they truly need. Much has been donated monetarily,but we also need to make sure that the Needs on the ground are met. As I am still editing my book I will be continuing to Blog and Tweet on Haiti. This week I am focused on Orphans and Tent Needs. ( If you scroll down medical issues were covered during the later part of the month. If you are a Medical Worker and would like to give time or expertise, I encourage you read my post on Medical Care, and perhaps contact National Nurses who is working with the Navy,Partners in Health or Doctors Without Borders.) This blog is trying to actively focus on Relief Work that is being accomplished on the ground, you can also follow me on Twitter @watergatesummer. I will continue to blog and post on Vulnerable Population Needs, especially as related to Children,Women and Medically Fragile ( Elderly and AIDS patients,and Quake Wounded), and Medical issues ( as With mass Tent Communities there are Biosurveillance issues).
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Woman in photo is 108, she survived the Quake, as she has lived through other disasters and Hurricanes. At this time the Sisters ran a home, and she remains living outside as their Home is damaged.....the photo really captures her strength and resilience.
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This weeks Focus : Orphans and Tents

Orphan Update in Haiti and Different Organizations that are providing Direct Care on the Ground

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It is estimated by the ReliefWeb reports of last week that before the Quake that Haiti had 380,000 Orphans, and now that number is estimated to be close to ONE Million. Sadly these children now face much trying to survive, issues of Shelter,food,Medical Care and Schooling and Emotional Recovery. Sadly They also face much as a vulnerable population, including child slavery and child trafficking. The UN last week announced to Media that they are trying to register the Orphans as they find them, but more information is needed regarding actual shelter and protection of these thousands of children. If you would like to donate to some of the Organizations that are helping Children. Here are some of them....I will be updating this list as I get more information.
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SOS Childrens Villages is one organization that is working hard on protection and care of new and existing orphans.
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CARE is another organization that is on the ground working on taking care of the children, and orphans of Haiti.
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Gods Littlest Angels is another smaller org that is doing and will be providing Orphan care in the years to come.
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UNICEF is coping with a huge load and doing their part as well, and carrying on their highly respected work.

It is Estimated that up to One Million In Haiti Need Shelter, Thousands Need Tents Today

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At this time the estimates of Actual People living without proper shelter in Haiti at this time is 950,000 to over 1.5 Million. It is difficult to assess the actual accurate number as people continue to migrate to the countryside, and the dead are still being counted. The critical issue is that the Survivors that did survive the Massive Quake are now vulnerable to the elements, disease, violence and exposure. The Rains will start in the Spring, and the concern is that this will lead to even more effects of the Catastrophe.

We all know from watching Katrina there is nothing worse than watching people die in the Aftermath of Survival. It is also important to understand that the people there have been still suffering ongoing aftershocks and quakes,so they are not feeling safe to return home, and it may be months before structurally safe shelter can be build. ( Architecture Safety Checks are still ongoing at this time). Those recovering from injuries and receiving medical care also need Tents to heal and recuperate. Many people even now are creeping into piles of rubble to try to retrieve materials,sheets and blankets to make Makeshift Tents.
These are resourceful brave people being creative,but they need better shelter,especially while Assessment Teams try to evaluate where and how to rebuild.


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I have been on a mission for most of the past week to try to find out WHO to contact that is already providing delivery and distribution on the ground of Tents. We do know some smaller organizations are handing out Tents, Tarps and Shelterboxes. BUT we now need to know WHO is making sure to spearhead the Tent Project. I even coordinated some Companies willing to donate the TENTS, and even a possible Supply Company that is willing to deliver them to Haiti. But all of this is worthless without Someone or Some NGO on the ground willing to help coordinate the Tent Distribution. The First Location should be the Largest Tent City in PaP, which would be the Gold Course at Petionville. And there are communities in Leogane and Jacmeal that are also in need of Tents so we need contacts in those places as well.

The World Food Program is really ramping up efforts on the ground and have made significant Strides in recent days, and I am hopeful that their Organization while distributing food also might be able to contribute to the Logistics of Where the Hungry and Unsheltered are. The Women receiving food need shelter to protect the food so it won't spoil as well, and that it have protection from the elements.

Now that the Media has mostly left it will be up to many NGO's on the ground to coordinate much of the work and recovery and care of the Haitians. Some of the issues I am already making calls and emails are : School Issues ( including WHO will be donating and distributing school supplies on ground,a majority of the schools on the ground were destroyed), Women & Childrens Health and Protection, and ElderCare, AIDS Care, Vulnerable Population issues. I am also still encouraging that people donate to Partners in Health and MSF, Doctors Without Borders as the Medical Community there has been decimated and will need to rebuild.
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It is estimated that many of the schools that were in session that later January Afternoon were destroyed, more than half did not survive the quake. The number of school children that died is also not known. This photo of a school destroyed raises many questions about the children. If you look at this photo closely you can see the desks in the rooms. About the Children I am haunted ....Did they survive ? Where are they now ? When will they have schools again ? An entire generation of children without schools. If they had Tents now, they could atleast be having some sense of community,routine and normalcy to combat PTSD and the psychological trauma that will be ongoing. So if Big Tents are donated this could really help the situation for start up schools.
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According to freelance journalists on the ground this sign is all over, on many corners....
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Imagine that we flood this nation with much needed Shelter and Tents....think of WHO you can contact that would be willing to donate Tents, Climbing Stores, Outdoor Equipment etc. I will keep you posted on this effort...as we locate which NGOs to work with who would and will do distribution on the ground.
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Partners in Health : Stand With Haiti Organization
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Doctors Without Borders (MSF)
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Tuesday 2.2 Tend Update
I have reached out to two major National Tent Suppliers and established contacts, and one major Shipper to Haiti. I am trying to set up a way that families can call in and Order a Tent be donated and sent. Letters have been sent to major Relief NGO's for ground contact/distribution in Haiti. I will keep you posted as to the Results of these contacts. The Problem continues to be finding out who on the Ground is in charge of Distribution.