Pray for Chile

Devastating events of incredible magnitude seem to be hitting our world with increasing frequency. Less than 7 weeks after Haiti was left reeling by an unprecedented earthquake, on Saturday 27th February at 3.34am Chile was hit by a quake that measured a staggering 8.8 magnitude. Lasting a terrifying 3 minutes, with continuing aftershocks, this has been recorded as the most severe earthquake this region has ever experienced.

NASA has reported that this quake moved the earth in its axis, effectively shortening days by microseconds – such was the force of the movement.

The giant waves that ravaged the coastlines following the quake completely destroyed a number of villages. BBC reporters said that up to 90% of the mud-and-wood buildings in the historic centre of Curico were destroyed or damaged, and a hospital badly damaged. The city of Concepcion was the most severely affected city, but a large region of central and southern Chile has been badly damaged, with over 750 lives lost.

The best thing we can do for Chile right now is pray that the people who are in need of aid, medical assistance, shelter and comfort will be quickly assisted so that no more lives are lost as a result of this event.

We will try keep this page as up to date as possible with reports and prayer requests from our Bible Society Colleagues as they become available.

Below are reports from Melvin Rivera Velázquez, UBS Americas Area Secretary.