• English
• Español
• Français
• Email
• Contact & Subscription
• Site Map

march 2010 - information about the earthquake in chile and the situation of Dianova in chile

One of the most damaging earthquakes in modern history struck Chile during the night of February, 27, at 03:00 a.m. local time, registering a magnitude of 8.8 on Richter scale.

The situation in Chile is still extremely serious; the earthquake caused approximately 800 casualties, and about 1,500 kilometers of coast line were affected by the Tsunami that was spawned by the quake.

Main road infrastructures, ports and railroad tracks have been either destroyed or rendered completely unusable, while supplies of electricity, food and water are in short supply. An estimated 500,000 buildings were severely damaged, and two million people were directly affected by the disaster.

Thankfully, no human life was lost among our staff personnel or among those being cared for by them. However, a number of Dianova buildings have been severely damaged.

Two of the three Dianova centers located in the Maule region are those affected most: Chacabuco center was totally destroyed, and Casa Viscaya center was very seriously damaged and will likely be demolished after inspection; fortunately, Romeral center’s structures were not seriously affected.

Concerning Dianova centers situated in the capital city metropolitan area, San Bernardo has been severely damaged by the quake, and we are waiting for the inspection report. Pucara center withstood the catastrophe with only minor damage. Paine center has been severely damaged, and technical evaluation is in progress. Finally, our head office and outpatient center in the capital city of, Santiago, are located in a modern building which resisted the quake with no structural damage.

All Dianova activities in Chile have been brought to a halt, and the majority of residents have returned to their homes.

Financial aid to Dianova Chile was approved by Dianova International head management, and Dianova president, Mr Luca Franceshi,has flown to Chile to assess the situation and prioritize any intervention deemed necessary in the short and medium term; he will also provide moral support, which is so needed in such circumstances.

We would like to let all concerned know through this message that we are thinking of all those who were affected by the earthquake, and their families and friends, and assure them of the thoughts and fervent best wishes of the entire Dianova network.