Embassy raises funds for quake victims

Abu Dhabi: The Chilean Embassy in the UAE has sought urgent help for millions of homeless quake victims as winter is fast approaching.

On Wednesday the embassy organised a fund-raiser concert for the victims, as the first in a series of events to come.

"Over 500,000 families were rendered homeless overnight in the powerful earthquake that hit the country last month. This means over 2 million people are in need of shelter," the Chilean Ambassador to the UAE Jean-Paul Tarud-Kuborn told Gulf News.

"There is a sense of urgency as winter is fast approaching and temperatures could drop down to minus 15 degrees," he said, calling on residents to pitch in as they can.

Donations can be made through a specially opened account at HSBC Bank.

It was on February 27 that the quake, measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale, hit the country killing 700 people. Official estimates suggest $20 billion to $30 billion will be needed to rebuild the nation post the devastating quake.

"The 200-plus aftershocks have worsened the situation," Kuborn said. One of them even reached a magnitude of 7.1, which is stronger than the Haiti quake, he added.

Since the area has never experienced such strong quakes before, the buildings were not built to withstand them, he said. "Historical buildings, some older than 500 years, were destroyed, too."

Close to 450 people, including members of royal families, diplomats and the capital's elite, attended the fund-raising concert.

Ovidio De Ferrari, a Chilean who has been living in the UAE for the past 16 years, was the concert's music conductor and composer.

"The event is the first in a series of fund-raising events, part of a campaign that will go on until May," said the ambassador.

You can help

Send donations to HSBC Bank account number 011-223328-002