OCHA Situation Report No. 2 Chile - Floods 30 June 2000
Background The rainy season in the central region of Chile is from May to August when temperatures are cooler, getting down to an average maximum temperature of 10 degC in July. Chile is vulnerable to earthquakes, tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, floods, avalanches and landslides due to its location in an area of geological instability. Disaster Situation Rainstorms over three days (28 - 30 June) have caused substantial damage in central and southern Chile. Affected Areas The Metropolitan Region (Capital City of Santiago), the central Region ( Rancagua ), the Fourth Region ( Coquimbo ), the Fifth Region (Valparaiso), and the Seventh Region (Talca). Population Affected/Damage Some 13,500 people have been affected of which some 3,700 only in the Metropolitan region. Approximately 901 people are in shelters run by municipal offices. National Response The National Emergency System has been activated to coordinate relief efforts. The National Emergency Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs ( ONEMI ) is focusing its activities on the evaluation of affected people and shelter needs. Request for International Assistance The Government of Chile has not requested international assistance. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int Telephone:+41-22-917-1234 Fax: +41-22-917 00 23 In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10 Desk Officers (OCHA Disaster Response Branch): Mr. Erik Haegglund /Mr. Carlos Monteiro-Pereira / Ms. Masayo Kondo - Direct Tel. +41-22-917-3299 / 1383 / 1997 Press Contact: Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli - Direct Tel.+41-22-917-26 53 distributed by - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Volunteers in Technical Assistance Disaster Information Center lists: www.vita.org/listsub.htm sitreps nat-dsr web: www.vita.org fireline - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -