Posted: Mar 1, 2010 6:18 AM
Updated: Mar 1, 2010 6:18 AM
TUCSON - With a million and a half people displaced, Chile's President is calling for international aid. Tucson based World Care is willing and ready to assist.
Donations are especially needed near the quake's epicenter. Utter devastation on the coast of Chile.
A fishing port in Constitution, Chile was slammed by the earthquake, and then leveled by tsunami waves which followed.
Water inundated neighborhoods a quarter mile inland, tossing boats against buildings.
A local man said a wave 30 feet high destroyed his house. Chile's President is now requesting international aid.
Tucson based World Care is ready to step up. Tucsonans are already dropping off donated relief supplies. Hygiene items are the biggest necessity.
Janet Wood with World Care says, "Hair care, deodorants, mouthwash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, things they need on a daily basis,"
Another continuing problem: aftershocks from the 8.8 earthquake, making it dangerous for rescue workers looking for people trapped in the rubble.
Santiago's International Airport reopened today to a few incoming flights.
The main terminal is heavily damaged, the windows smashed, the ceilings partially collapsed and passengers are being bused to other buildings to be processed.
But the reopening of the airport will pave the way for international relief efforts, as Chile tries to cope with its worst earthquake in half a century.
Back at World Care they're just waiting for the green light to ship supplies.
Lisa Hopper is World Care's founder, "We're confident and stand ready to help with whatever their needs are."
For more information on World Care, including how to donate head to www.worldcare.org. Their telephone number is (520) 514-1588.
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