Chile’s Great Steps for Recovery after Feb 27th Earthquake

On Feb 27^th 2010 Chile was hit by a strong earthquake. Major zones affected were the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th regions and very few points of Valparaiso and the Metropolitan Area of Santiago. The 14^th, 10^th, 11^th and 12^th regions which comprise what is commonly known as the Chilean Patagonia, and the 15^th, 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th regions which comprise what is commonly known as Atacama and Norte Grande, all these embracing 75% of Chilean territory remained unaffected by the earthquake waves.

 

The following are the latest steps towards recovery:

 

- The entire operations and touristic services in the Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine NP, the Lake District, Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama, Altiplano, Santiago, Valparaiso, Easter Island and the Araucanía are fully normal and safe.

- Total recovery of the tourism infrastructure located in the wine valleys of the 6^th and 7^th regions including Cachapoal, Colchagua and Maule valleys might take up to 3 months depending on each valley particular damages. Nevertheless there are unaffected sites and many wine tours are currently working without problems.

- Santiago City is working in total normality. The Chilean National Aeronautical Authority announced that Santiago’s International Airport is working at 100% of its aeronautical capacity and the total recovery of passenger transit infrastructure is schedule for the next two months.

- The Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) -The Chilean agency in charge of national protected areas-  announced that  most national parks and natural reservoirs in the 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th regions have been reopened and there are just a few cases still closed partially or totally, mainly those near the earthquake epicenter.

- Recovering works are well organized and fully implemented in the specific zones strongly affected by the earthquake in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th regions.

 

We encourage all world travelers, agencies and tour operators planning trips to Chile during this year to continue their plans as set originally since our nation is ready to welcome you all.

 

Sometimes Nature is a tough teacher but Chile is a good student.

 

Rodrigo Mata

Product & Destination Manager at Cascada Expediciones, Chile.

Posted via email from ecocamppatagonia's posterous