A MAGNITUDE 8.8 EARTHQUAKE struck Chile early Saturday morning, February 27, 2010, with its epicenter in the 7th (Maule) Region.   The death toll now stands at over 700.

Maryknoll has had a mission presence in Chile for nearly 66 years.  Currently Maryknoll Fathers Fred Hegarty, Larry Schanberger and Dale Barron, as well as Maryknoll Brother John Nitsch, are all stationed there. Thankfully they are all accounted for as safe and sound.

The city of Concepcion has been badly hit, and reports are emerging about the extent of the damage and number of deaths.  But much less is known about the Maule Region's hinterland because it is so much less populated.  

The picture above shows the aftermath at the Maryknoll house in Nirvilo, in the Maule Region

According to Maryknoll Lay Missioner Cecilia Espinoza, a Chilean native herself, Maule accounts for 70% of the confirmed deaths and disappeared. The cities of Curico, Talca and Linares in the Maule region all suffered considerable destruction.  Many of their old colonial houses collapsed, as well as downtown buildings including the chancellery offices of the Diocese of Linares.  The community of San Dionisio suffered only some minor damage, but the fear of the ongoing tremors has remained constant.  Cecilia writes, "The movements don't cease. There have been more than 110 aftershocks and some over level 6 in Santiago. Linares had one this morning over level 7."

The picture above shows the aftermath at the Maryknoll house in Nirvilo, in the Maule Region.

Since March marks the end of summer vacations, many people were still visiting the costal area.  Brother John Nitsch was in Iloca and Sarah Burgess, another Maryknoll Lay Missioner, was in Curanipe, when the quake-generated tsunami hit. Mercifully they both survived.  In the capital, Santiago - though it is far from the center of seismic activity - there was a considerable damage.  Father Schanberger had to say Sunday Mass outdoors, since the Church was not safe - and will have to be rebuilt.  

La Virgen del Carmen (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) is the patroness of Chile.  In  Cecilia's words, "Everyone here is asking that she hold her people in her loving arms and protect them and give consolation to those who have lost loved ones."

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers will be assessing the devastation in its totality, to determine where the Society can best provide help as the situation develops.

Please join the people of Chile in prayer.