The Sandspur

Issue date: 3/5/10 Section: News

Media Credit: MCT Campus OFF THE RICHTER: In Constitucion, Chile, citizens inspect the ruins of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the country on Feb. 27. Damages and repairs are estimated to be in the billions.

An earthquake of magnitude 8.8 hit Chile on Feb. 27, followed by aftershocks and a tsunami. Death toll estimates range from the hundreds into over 1,000. The earthquake has damaged over 1.5 million houses, forcing millions to be displaced. The natural disaster was 700-800 times stronger, but at a greater depth within the earth, than the earthquake in Haiti in January.

The Chilean earthquake comes in the wake of the Haiti tragedy, and although the devastation in Chile may not be as far-reaching, it should not be overlooked. For now, several airlines have suspended flights to Chile, and there have been reports of looting in Chilean cities. The fiscal damage is estimated to be in the billions, and although there was fear that the tsunami would devastate other areas, such as Hawaii, there have been no reports of any significant damage elsewhere.

This disaster brings to debate the disparities in wealth, infrastructure, and preparedness that outline the effects of the quakes in Haiti and Chile. Haiti has historically been the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, and analysts are already pointing to the differences in development and GDP in each country as determining factors of each country's devastation. Even though the Feb. 27 earthquake was much stronger than the one in Haiti, Chile was nowhere near as devastated as Haiti. Unlike Chile, Haiti was not as prepared to face the impact of a large scale earthquake.

As the Chinese characters for crisis suggest, however, with "danger" also comes "opportunity." People from across the globe, of different cultures and socioeconomic classes, have come together in an effort to help Haiti. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet insists that Chile does not need foreign aid, but is willing to accept it as she declares states of catastrophe in different areas.

What can Rollins students do to help? Individual donations to Oxfam, UNICEF, AmeriCares, and other humanitarian groups always make a difference. These are all non-profit organizations and therefore donations to them are tax-deductible.

Although Haiti may need much more money, support, and help throughout the process of recovery, the situation in Chile cannot go ignored simply because it does not appear as devastating. The earthquake in Chile presents Rollins and the world with opportunities to help, and Rollins students are urged to do what they can to make a difference.

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