Q and A - the European Commission's response to the Chile earthquake

MEMO/10/67

Brussels, 5 March 2010

Q and A - the European Commission's response to the Chile earthquake

What was the Commission's reaction in the first hours after the earthquake?

The emergency response system of ECHO, the Commission department responsible for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, was mobilised early on Saturday morning, as soon as news of the earthquake broke.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism immediately issued a pre-alert message to the Participating States. The crisis room of the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) operated throughout the weekend, obtaining reports about the scale and impact of the earthquake and identifying civil protection assets that could be available for rapid deployment in Chile (the Mechanism was formally activated on 1 March, following the request for international assistance from the Chilean President). Commissioner Georgieva went to the crisis room during the day to direct operations.

The Commission's emergency humanitarian response system was launched simultaneously, in both Brussels and in ECHO's Managua regional office, covering Latin America. Potential partners for fast-track funding, with the capacity to provide immediate relief assistance, were contacted and ECHO humanitarian field experts were mobilised to travel to the earthquake zone at the first available opportunity. A €3 million primary emergency decision was adopted early on Sunday morning.

The Commission launched a fast-track humanitarian funding decision for €3 million on Saturday 27 February (the day the earthquake struck). This was adopted early on the Sunday morning.

When did the first experts arrive in Chile?

The first team of two humanitarian aid experts arrived in Chile on Monday morning (via Argentina because Santiago airport was closed). A second two-member team arrived on Tuesday.

An EU Civil Protection Mechanism team, including 6 experts, is currently en route to Chile, the team leader having already arrived in Santiago.

What are the needs?

A joint ECHO/Red Cross team carried out a rapid needs assessment in Talca (Maule region) on 3 March. At that point, the town still had no electricity and water supplies were erratic. Telecommunications were very difficult, relying mainly on Sat-phones. More than 2,600 people were accommodated in provisional collective centres. Six of of the region's 13 hospitals are damaged beyond repair. Many health centres are functional, but a lot of equipment including X-ray and laboratory facilities has been damaged. There is a lack of drinking water in coastal locations such as Eloca, Pelluhue and Curanipe, which were heavily damaged by the tsunami.

More generally, the MIC has been informed by the Chilean authorities that the key initial needs are for:

• mechanical bridges;

• field hospitals with surgical capacity;

• satellite telephones and relay stations;

• generators;

• water purification systems (for salty water);

• shelter;

• independently operational self-dialysis units, and;

• field kitchens.

What is the current state of play?

The Commission is already financing Telecoms Sans Frontières (TSF – France) through its fast-track decision, to provide telecommunications services in the stricken zone. Funding has also been agreed to help re-establish health services through the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Spanish Red Cross. The German Red Cross will be financed to supply shelter and basic household essentials.

A number of EU Member States have notified the MIC of assistance deployed or offered. This includes personnel and equipment already sent to Concepcion (Spain, Germany, France), initial funding pledges (Finland, UK, the Netherlands) and offers of bridges, tents, field kitchens and generators (Bulgaria, Slovakia, Sweden, Austria). MIC also has on stand-by an Advanced Medical Post with Surgery, under the Preparatory Action for EU Rapid Response Capacity. Other EU Member States have indicated their willingness to provide assistance. This assistance can be deployed once it is accepted by the Chilean authorities.

When is Commissioner Georgieva going to visit Chile?

As announced by VP/HR Ashton, Commissioner Georgieva is planning to travel to Chile as soon as first reports from ECHO and Civil Protection ground experts on the needs in Chile have been examined. In this mission to Chile, which may take place as soon as next week, Commissione

European EC Rapid Press Release MEMO/10/67, copyright European Commission.
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