In the early hours of the 27 February 2010 a 8.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Chile. The main shock created a tsunami that killed hundreds of people and affected more than 2 million in various cities and towns of this country. The city that was mainly affected was Concepción, the second largest city in the country which is about 280 miles from Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The Scientology Volunteer Ministers network mobilized Chilean Volunteer Ministers in Santiago and Rancagua, a city about 200 miles north-east of Concepción.
From early March on Scientology Volunteer Ministers have been working with the Red Cross, Chilean Scouts and other organizations in Chile to organize and provide needed aid to the affected areas. VMs arriving from Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico have joined the teams.
In March and April 2010 Scientology Volunteer Ministers were helping earthquake and tsunami victims in the various camp sites around Concepción, Rancagua and the tsunami-damaged port city Talcahuano. Aside from spiritual assistance, basic medical care and distribution of supplies, Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to work with a Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile) group to set up shelters and rebuild homes. A VM team in the Concepción Province is doing clean-up work, removing rubble from schools and other public buildings to get disrupted public services going again.
Also in May 2010 several teams of Scientology Volunteer Ministers continue to give needed assistance to earthquake and tsunami victims in Chile.
