Chile

Abstract

The Chilean Red Cross always remains prepared. In cases of j emergency it undertakes the necessary relief action, in accordance \ with the standards laid down by the Central Committee and directives drawn up in each case in agreement with the Government. It was realized in 1960 how extremely vulnerable were the country's communications in earthquakes. In fact all overland routes were practically severed in the southern part of the province of Cautin, all wharfs destroyed at Corral, Puerto Montt, Ancud and Castro, whilst regional airports were rendered unserviceable for a certain period. It was then thought that a chain of emergency depots should be set up, each of which would provide the necessary facilities for the installation, within a few hours of a disaster, of first-aid posts and immediate relief. From 1960 onwards, the Central Committee has organized and completely equipped twelve emergency depots. Some of these dispose of a single " outfit ", others of four and Santiago of twenty. Each of these outfits comprises medical and surgical material, injection kits, medicines, clothing, furniture, rescue equipment, blankets and water-purifying instruments. None of these items can be used without authorization from the Central Committee and they are stored and maintained by the Red Cross branch to which they have been allotted. There is also a relief warehouse at Santiago for whose extension a sum is allocated each year. The object is to provide for the requirements of the emergency depots which should be organized in cases of national disasters to enable relief distributions to be started, if possible, a few hours after a calamity. This warehouse disposes of a large reserve of clothing, warm under-clothes, household and toilet articles for the needs of eventual homeless. Furthermore, the Chilean Red Cross proposes to establish further warehouses in various localities in due course.