Jack de Groot CEO of Caritas Australia said, "the first emergency aid is being distributed by Caritas teams in Maule and BÃo BÃo, which are recognized as disaster zones by the Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and are some of the poorest regions in Chile. Parishes and local Caritas centres which proliferate throughout the affected area have swung into action to help affected people.
Caritas Chile Director Lorenzo Figueroa said, "Caritas Chile is working in coordination with governmental and civil society organisations in establishing a national help network in spite of enormous communications difficulties.
"We are collecting food to be sent immediately to communities which have been most affected by the earthquake and where shortages are already being reported. Our own communications network and capacity to offer warehouses and points of collection and distribution are immediately available.
"The magnitude and depth of the catastrophe which has affected the poorest regions of the country will require the support of Caritas members in Latin America and worldwide. Above all, hope is needed among our suffering people."
Meanwhile, a Caritas emergency response and search and rescue teams are travelling to Santiago today to help support relief efforts. The emergency team is composed of international and Latin American staff, including the Humanitarian Director Alistair Dutton and Hector Hanashiro of Caritas Peru. The Mexican search and rescue team recently worked in Haiti as part of Caritas relief efforts.
Mr de Groot said, "Caritas Chile and the bishops are keeping us updated on the needs of the people. Chile has faced a terrible catastrophe. The Caritas confederation will be there in support of the survivors in this initial phase of emergency response and as they look to rebuild the country."
Caritas centres in 23 dioceses and archdioceses in Chile have been mobilized including: La Serena, Santiago, Concepción, Puerto Montt, Arica, Iquique, Copiapó, San Felipe, ValparaÃso, Melipilla, San Bernardo, Rancagua, Talca, Linares, Chillán, Los Ãngeles, Temuco, Villarrica, Valdivia, Osorno, Ancud and Punta Arenas.
Archbishop Ricardo Ezzati of Concepción condemned the actions of those using the chaos to loot as being responsible of a "second earthquake". He also said the organization of relief efforts is making progress although it remains difficult to get in touch with some parishes, mainly along the coast.