After spending far too many hours wedged onto a bus, we finally arrived in San Pedro de Atacama slightly before noon on February 27, 2010. I had barely slept throughout the past week, but still could not suppress a smile when looking at my surroundings consisting of arid desert and snow-capped volcanoes scrapping the sky. To put it simply, it was absolutely stunning.
Our earth, unfortunately, is not only beautiful but incredibly dangerous as well. Earlier that morning, an earthquake measuring 8.8 (the fifth largest quake ever recorded) on the Richter scale had rattled much of Chile and destroying countless lives. A series of tsunamis further terrorized Chileans living in costal regions and nearly obliterated numerous towns. To date, the death toll reaches into the hundreds and the whereabouts of hundreds of others remain unknown.
Given the magnitude of the natural destruction, it is mind-boggling that many consider the greatest tragedy to be one of human origin: the looting plaguing Concepcion in the chaos following the quake. Both individuals and bands of thieves stole everything from clothing to electronics from both homes and stores in the city. One major department store was burned to the ground.
Luckily, we did not feel the quake itself nor witness any looting or mayhem, but the impact of the disaster affected our return to Santiago and will most likely continue to impact our experiences throughout the rest of the semester. Physically, Santiago is relatively unharmed. The majority of buildings and houses remain standing due to stringent building codes; water and electricity have since returned to most neighborhoods.
Yet, it is still a wounded city. Many report being unable to sleep at night. Even the smallest aftershocks ( a daily occurrence) trigger fearful reactions in many residents, although they should be accustomed to small disturbances as they live in seismically active city. Work has since resumed and classes are about t begin, but all has definitely not returned to normal.
Not only has the quake revealed the fears of the city, but it has also demonstrated the resolve of both Santiago and the entire nation. It is impossible to walk even three blocks without being implored to donate some non-perishable food items or a bottle of shampoo. Money is, of course, needed as well and Chileans exhibited their generosity during a recent telethon in which they raised $60,000,000, doubling organizers’ goal of $30,000,000.
The support extends beyond the material, of course. Nearly all of the busses clogging the city’s streets sport painted windows declaring “Vamos Chile” or “Fuerza Chile.” And, perhaps I am imagining it, but I have seen a definite surge in Chilean soccer jerseys and other such patriotic attire in the streets.
Without a doubt, the earthquake, tsumanis, and subsequent looting were tragic, but such overwhelming solidarity and generosity proves that Chile will most certainly be able to rebuild and will most likely become a stronger nation than ever before.
FUERZA CHILE!
(The earthquake occurred during the final days of an incredible trip through Peru and the Chilean desert. I chose to discuss the quake as it is obviously an event that has had and will have a huge impact on my host country. A blog or novel chronicling our trip will be written soon!)
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