Agency to Send Assessment Team Focusing on Needs of Children and Families

WESTPORT, Conn. (Feb. 27, 2010) — Save the Children is readying to send its emergency assessment team to Chile, site of a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake early this morning.

The quake struck near Chile's second-largest city, Concepción, and has caused extensive damage. The capital Santiago, about 200 miles north of the epicentre, was also badly hit. Powerful aftershocks continue.

The president has declared an "area of ecocatastrophe."

"Any disaster increases the vulnerability of children. And we know from experience that an earthquake of this enormity — with widespread destruction of homes, schools, infrastructure and peace of mind — will put thousands of children at risk," said Charles MacCormack, Save the Children's president and CEO.

"It is critical to reach affected children and families now in the early hours and meet their immediate survival needs. At the same time, we must also ensure that children, because they are at greater risk, are protected and nurtured as their country begins the difficult relief and recovery process."

What You Can Do

You can help Save the Children respond to emergencies around the world that put at risk the survival, protection, and well-being of significant numbers of children. By contributing to our Children's Emergency Fund, you enable us to prepare and respond immediately to children and families who urgently need our help when disasters strike.

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Learn more about the earthquake in Chile.

Save the Children is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.