CARE distributes emergency relief items / rainy season is approaching
SANTIAGO DE CHILE (March 11, 2010) – The international humanitarian organization CARE has distributed food, hygiene items and tarps for 200 families in Chile. “In the village of Sauzal, near the city of Cauquenes, there are still cries for help”, says Axel Rottländer, CARE’s deputy emergency coordinator. CARE received support from local youth for the distribution. Rottländer: „The girls handed out the items, the guys did the cleaning up. All of them were highly motivated, are hands-on and eager to reconstruct their village.” CARE staff delivered the items to older people in person. CARE works with the foundation Fundacion Alemana para el Desarrollo.
85-year old Manuel Salazar is one of the affected villagers. He spent his whole life working day jobs. Now the earthquake has completely destroyed his house and he lives under a tarp in his backyard. “It’s especially tough for the old, weak and sick people who are now homeless and have no savings. Many of them, like Manuel, have worked very hard all their life and now have nothing left. We have to help them”, says Rottländer.
Rainy season in this region starts in April. “The tarps are an important first protection measure. But we have to think about reconstruction and give those people hope for the future“, says Axel Rottländer. In addition, CARE plans to provide people living in retirement homes with relief items.
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About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the world’s largest humanitarian aid agencies. In nearly 70 countries, CARE works with the poorest communities to improve basic health and education, enhance rural livelihoods and food security, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity, and provide lifesaving assistance after disasters.