Ethiopian Journal

Earthquake in Chile causes mass destruction and displacement. Islamist opposition orders the World Food Programme out of Somalia. Colombia’s election race begins as President Uribe denied third term. Northern Liberia under curfew following the outbreak of religious violence. Malaysian peace monitors arrive in the Philippines in an attempt to revive talks. All this and more in today's update.

One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded devastated much of central Chile over the weekend. The earthquake, 8.8 in magnitude, and its aftershocks have left 711 people dead and more than two million displaced. Tsunamis triggered by the earthquake have been reported as far away as Japan and Russia, but appear not to have caused serious injuries or damage.

The government has begun efforts to provide aid to the hardest-hit areas of the country, particularly the Maule region and the city of Concepcion. A curfew has been instated in the region, with troops deployed to assist rescue efforts and prevent looting. Additionally, the government is organising the free distribution of basic goods to those most affected.

The openSecurity verdict:  Despite the promptness of government action to clear airports and roads, many people are still without running water or electricity and ten of thousands have been forced to live outdoors in makeshift shelters and tents, due to the damage to an estimated 1.5 million homes. In Talca, only two of thirteen hospital wings remain standing, limiting treatment availability. As rescue efforts continue amid repeated aftershocks, the government response will need to be quick and precise if it is going to be effective in promoting the security and well-being of its citizens.

Field hospitals, temporary bridges, water purification plants, damage assessment experts, food aid, and rescue workers will all be necessary to help rebuild the country.

Economic experts have said the earthquake and its aftermath could have a significant impact on the Chilean economy, with economic damage estimated at roughly 15% of the country’s GDP.

To complicate matters further, current President Michelle Bachelet has only two weeks of her term remaining, before president-elect Sebastian Pinera takes office. It will be up to him to oversee continued aid and rescue efforts, as well as the country’s longer-term reconstruction.   For the millionaire Pinera, the first conservative elected to the presidency in Chile since the collapse of the bloody dictatorship of general Pinochet, the earthquake presents an opportunity to prove his cabinet’s commitment to alleviating poverty and hardship. Pinera may choose to accept the foreign aid that President Bachelet has mostly refused.

As has been seen Haiti, large influxes of international aid can complicate logistics on the ground, increasing chaos and hindering the ability to effectively distribute services. Food aid, in particular, can have a lasting impact if it undermines the domestic economy’s ability to provide for its people. The resilience of Chile’s lauded economic growth will be tested severely. Furthermore, international aid efforts can be a playground for geopolitics, as witnessed in Haiti by accusations against the United States as well as China and Taiwan.

In comparison with Haiti, Chile is well prepared for earthquakes due to its location and history. Building codes were revised following the 1985 earthquake, with an emphasis on reinforced concrete; while many older buildings, particularly historic monuments, have been destroyed, most newer buildings remain intact. Additionally, Chile has a strong National Emergency Office, which is coordinated at the national, regional and local levels.  The office provides advice on how to prepare for natural disasters, how to react when one strikes, and coordinates responses of fire fighters, medical teams, and civil defence.

While this earthquake will certainly have a lasting impact, Chile is well-positioned to deal with its aftermath so long as the transitioning government can maintain continuity in its response, work to rebuild both its infrastructure and economy, and provide aid and support to the millions of people affected by the disaster.