Direct Relief is in contact with health care partners in Chile to deliver additional emergency aid supplies following severe flooding in northern Chile last week that has affected an estimated 30,000 people, destroyed 8,300 homes, and killed 27 people.

A shipment of first aid supplies, exam gloves, and hygiene items were dispatched earlier this month to local partner organization Foundation for Educational, Social and Economic Development (FEDES – Fundación Educativa de Desarrollo Economico y Social) after wildfires affected 6,000 people in the port city of Valparaiso. These items will be immediately utilized by FEDES as part of the flood disaster response.

The torrential rain produced major flooding and serious mudslides in the regions of Atacama, Tarapaca, Antofagasta and Coquimbo. The Atacama Desert is considered the driest desert in the world. The heavy rains have seriously affected the area’s infrastructure and housing, which are not built for such conditions. This has greatly contributed to the seriousness of the situation.

FEDES is assessing the needs of the affected populations. So far, they have reported that what is needed most is: blankets, diapers, formula, hygienic products, and basic medicines for displaced families.

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Related post: Aid Bound for Chile Following Wildfire Near Port Cities