Chabad of Santiago Mobilizes Relief Aid

(lubavitch.com) Chabad-Lubavitch of Santiago is mobilizing its resources with a plan of action to bring relief aid to areas affected by the recent earthquake.

As of this writing, Chabad has begun delivering supplies of rice, juice and other food staples to areas south of Santiago, where the quake has left many in severely compromised conditions.

“With the authorities focused on Concepción, we are turning our attention to helping people in outlying areas that are in need of help,” says Rabbi Menashe Perman, Chabad representative to Chile.

The earthquake struck Concepción hardest, with a death toll that has now exceeded 800. Santiago was spared major damage, but as authorities continue to evaluate the impact of the 8.8 magnitude quake, more information about secondary areas and populations affected, has become available.

With supermarket supplies of food having been cleaned out and normal travel routes now closed, food shortages are expected to be a problem, Mrs. Chaya Perman says.

Chabad rabbis along with members of the community and college students studying there, are working as quickly and as diligently as possible.

In Chile since 1981, the Permans have experienced the country’s last great earthquake of 1985, and have learned to anticipate the small quakes typical of this region. But this one was severe.

“It’s a desperate situation for so many, and the fact that we were spared, challenges us to be responsive to those in need,” Rabbi Perman told lubavitch.com.