Relief workers from across the globe are turning their focus toward the destruction in Chile following a massive earthquake this weekend.  One of our partners, Samaritan's Purse has already delivered truckloads of food and blankets into the affected area.  Emergency workers stationed in nearby Bolivia delivered the aid and are working with church partners in Chile

"The earthquake has impacted a huge part of the nation, with the worst part being from Santiago and south," said Rafael Fuentes, the coordinator of the Operation Christmas Child leadership team in Chile. "Many houses, buildings, bridges, and roads were destroyed. The situation in Concepcion and surrounding areas is very bad with no water, food, or fuel. Because of the lack of electricity, grocery stores, gas stations, and telecommunications are not working."

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said Sunday that the quake killed at least 708 people. As many as 2 million Chileans were affected and 500,000 homes severely damaged. Calling it an "unthinkable disaster," Bachelet said a "state of catastrophe" in the hardest-hit regions would continue, allowing for the quick distribution of aid.

"This will take a great effort from all sectors, public and private," she said.

The earthquake is tied for the fifth strongest since 1900, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Another 8.8 quake struck off Ecuador in 1906. Stronger earthquakes occurred in Russia's Kamchatka (magnitude 9), off northern Sumatra in 2004 (magnitude 9.1), at Prince William Sound, Alaska, in 1964 (magnitude 9.4) and south of Concepcion—not far from the epicenter of Saturday's quake—in 1960 (magnitude 9.5).

Please pray for the people of Chile and the relief workers bringing aid and comfort.