Update-Earthquake in Chile

From AFSWiki

We have heard from the National Director of Chile that all the hosted students have been contacted and are safe. Today AFS-Chile has reported that the situation is improving little by little. More areas are getting power and water, supermarkets are opening, and people are able to buy food and gas, although in limited quantities. All this is happening in the affected areas. However, in the area of Concepción the situation continues to be difficult.

Communication continues to be unstable. The main problem is in the areas where there is no power, cell phones can not be recharged, and it is impossible to buy new batteries.

Chile is in direct contact with Partners whose students are in the affected area.

The start of the school year, originally set for March 1st, was delayed to March 8th, in most of the country, except in the affected areas, where the situation is being evaluated and a new date will be scheduled.

The AFS-Chile office is working normally. The USA support staff is in regular contact with the Chile staff and communication by email is stable. Phones less so.

Regarding the SH 10 students, the situation has not changed today. All the students who did not travel to their host community, will continue with their temporary host families. The airport has not opened completely, and buses and trains are not working yet.