Relief and support assistance for students affected by Chile earthquake

A POWERFUL earthquake has caused panic and distress in Chile as more than a million people have been evacuated from their homes. Jennifer Zhao has the details on how you can get in touch with loved ones in Chile. 

A million people have been evacuated after a powerful earthquake rocked the central coast of Chile and claimed the lives of at least eight people.

The recorded 8.3-magnitude quake, which was felt as far away as Buenos Aires in Argentina – 1400 kilometres away, occurred at 7.54pm local time on Wednesday and triggered a red tsunami alert.

The tsunami alert has since been cancelled for all regions of Chile however warnings are still in effect for countries such as Peru, New Zealand and the Philippines.

Local navy reported waves of up to four-and-a-half metres high near the Chilean port city of Coquimbo, where roads and homes have been flooded. Frequent aftershocks continued to shake Chile after the quake.

Chilean international students studying in Melbourne who fear their family and friends may have been affect by the earthquake can get in touch with the local Latin American community organisation Refuge of Hope by calling their emergency number 0415 224 437.

The Consulate General of Chile in Melbourne has been contacted but a hotline for relief and support services has not yet been made available.

More details for those after consular services or contact with loved ones back home will be updated once information is made available.

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