Local groups offer help to Chilean earthquake victims

Charity groups around the world, including those in southwest Missouri, are offering assistance to victims of Saturday's earthquake in Chile.

The magnitude 8.8 quake killed more than 700 people, according to published reports, and both the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter and Convoy of Hope are preparing to send aid to the South American nation.

The Red Cross has made $50,000 available for Chile relief operations, with additional support ready, if needed, including trained personnel and relief supplies.

Convoy, meanwhile, is preparing an assessment team to go to Chile, where the capital city of Santiago lost electricity, water and telephone service. Transportation outlets, including Chile's major bridge connecting the country's north and south regions, are closed.

The Springfield group also continues its efforts to help the victims of the January earthquake in Haiti; Convoy has delivered 3.5 million meals, water filtration units and hygiene kits to the Caribbean island nation. Convoy is taking donations for both efforts on its Web site.

According to published reports, the Saturday quake destroyed three hospitals in Chile's capital and damaged more than 500,000 homes.