CFCA news

Recent aftershocks unsettle CFCA families

March 12, 2010

VALPARAISO, Chile — Powerful aftershocks hit Chile March 11 while Valparaiso staff met with sponsored members and their families at the project office, said Valparaiso Project Coordinator Sara Leiva. Staff and families evacuated the office immediately. No one was hurt.

This recent string of aftershocks drove many staff and families to the foothills to escape the threat of a tsunami and worsened existing structural damage at the office, which has no running water. The office will be closed until Monday, March 15.

One of the aftershocks registered 7.2 on the Richter scale, stronger than the earthquake that hit Haiti in January.

“The families have been very scared,” Leiva said. “The children do not sleep. There are many rumors about tsunamis, and they are not sure when the next tremor will occur. There are many wrecks in the streets and injuries.”

The city of Rancagua, about 120 miles southwest of Valparaiso, was most affected by the recent tremors. No CFCA communities are located there.