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Canada's response to the earthquake in Chile

A collapsed bridge near the epicentre of the earthquake that struck the coast of Chile on February 27, 2010

Final figures as of April 1, 2010
• 1,212 Canadians located
• 3 Not yet located

List of definitions

• Visa section in Santiago, Chile, re-opens

A strong earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck near the coast of Chile on February 27, 2010. This was the country's largest earthquake in 25 years. The earthquake generated a tsunami, which affected a coastal strip of more than 500 kilometres, and numerous aftershocks continue to cause damage.

Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed and that the earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Power and telecommunications have been severely disrupted. Canadian government officials are currently assessing the situation to clarify the extent of the damage in Chile as well as to assess the potential impact on Canadians who are present in the country.

Government response to the earthquake

Source : U.S. Geological Survey

In response to a request for international assistance from the Government of Chile, the Government of Canada announced on March 2, 2010 that it will provide up to $2 million for urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Chile.

Also on March 2, Canadian Embassy officials arrived in the city of Concepción to gain a first hand assessment of the extent of the damage and to make contact with Canadians believed to be in the region, but with whom the Embassy had not yet been able to make contact. The department is now providing consular assistance to those Canadians whom we have been able to contact.

Travel reports

Travel report and Warnings

Please consult our Chile Travel Report.

Assistance for Canadians in Chile

Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the Emergency Operations Centre or call 613-996-8885 collect. The Operations Centre of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How Canadians can help

The best way for Canadians to help is to donate money—not clothing or food—to the registered charity of your choice. In order to avoid potential fraud, we urge you to check to see if your preferred charity is registered before you give.

More information for those who would like to help:

Media Centre

2010-03-08 | Minister of State Kent to attend inauguration of Chilean President
2010-03-03 | Ministerial Statement on the situation in Chile (10:15 a.m. ET)
2010-03-02 | Government of Canada announces assistance to Chile (CIDA)
2010-03-01 | Ministerial Statement on the situation in Chile (7:20 p.m. ET)
2010-02-28 | Ministerial Statement on the situation in Chile (4 p.m. ET)
2010-02-27 | Message From the Governor General following the earthquake in Chile
2010-02-27 | Ministerial Statement on Chile (12 p.m. ET)
2010-02-27 | Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada
2010-02-27 | Minister Cannon to hold media teleconference on Chile