Information Release
5th March 2010
£20,000 DONATED IN RESPONSE TO CHILE EARTHQUAKE
The President of The Freemasons' Grand Charity, Grahame Elliott, has approved an emergency grant of £20,000 to the Red Cross following a large earthquake in Chile. The earthquake struck at 03.35 hours local time on 27 February 2010, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale. It is reported to be the worst earthquake to hit the country in 25 years, and has been followed by aftershocks of up to 6.9 magnitude. It has been confirmed that 802 people have died and over 2 million are believed to have been affected.
The earthquake hit 90 kilometres north-east of the city of Concepción in central Chile, and has reportedly caused considerable damage to infrastructure in the Bíobío and Maule regions. Many roads and buildings have been damaged, particularly in coastal zones, while some areas continue to suffer from power outages, though Santiago remains largely unaffected.
The Freemasons’ Grand Charity has awarded the British Red Cross £20,000 to assist with their relief efforts. The Chilean Red Cross is working on the ground in partnership with the country’s National Emergency Office (ONEMI), carrying out search and rescue operations, giving medical assistance where necessary as well as providing basic amenities like water, sanitation and shelter.
Further information:
For questions concerning The Freemasons’ Grand Charity’s support for relief efforts in Chile please contact Siobhan McCarthy on 020 7395 9385.
Visit The Freemasons’ Grand Charity website at www.grandcharity.org
For further information about the Red Cross in Chile please visit www.redcross.org.uk
ENDS