BULLETIN: Operation USA to Assess Relief Needs in Chile Following Magnitude 8.2 Earthquake and Tsunami Warning (Updated)

UPDATE: April 3, 2014, 2:00 p.m. PT– Operation USA is relieved at the reported minimal damage in areas affected by the earthquake earlier this week, and will not respond with relief aid at this time unless requested by the government of Chile and/or by local organizations in need of support. The organization will continue to monitor the situation and assess needs as the risk of aftershocks remains.

Los Angeles, Calif., April 1, 2014– Operation USA, a Los Angeles-based international relief agency, announced today that it is monitoring the situation in Chile following a reported magnitude 8.2 earthquake and a subsequent tsunami warning affecting several surrounding coastal countries. The earthquake struck off the coast of Chile at 8:04 p.m. EST on Tuesday; evacuation orders are in place while the extent of damage is not yet known.

Operation USA previously aided recovery efforts in Chile following a magnitude 8.8 earthquake and subsequent tsunami which struck the country in 2010. At that time, the organization focused recovery efforts on education services, providing a children’s library for a community in transitional homes, and on rebuilding livelihoods, providing local fishermen with tools, boats and engines to resume their economic activities.

Operation USA will assess needs as the current situation develops and plans to respond with relief aid if needed. To donate to ongoing disaster relief around the world, visit donate.opusa.org.

ABOUT OPERATION USA:
Founded in 1979, Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid throughout the world. The Los Angeles based non-government organization offers material and financial assistance to community-based organizations that promote sustainable development, leadership and capacity building, income generating activities, education, health services, and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable people. Operation USA is a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity. Learn more at www.opusa.org.

Richard Walden is available as an expert source on disaster preparedness and international relief aid.

Press Contact:
Mary Dolan
Operation USA
mdolan@opusa.org
323-413-2353