Rescue Efforts After Bolivian Landslide Complicated by Danger of Further CollapseCatholic Relief Services Continuing danger of further collapse following last week's landslide in Chima, Bolivia is complicating ongoing aid and rescue efforts there. At least 16 are now confirmed dead in this mining town where frequent use of excavation explosives had left the mountainside vulnerable to recent heavy rains. Seventeen were injured and 46 reported missing, with as many as 250 more unaccounted for. Two dozen surviving children are suddenly without parents.  Catholic Relief Services has announced it will be working with partner organization Social Pastoral-Caritas Bolivia in ongoing damage assessments and follow-up programs to help orphans and now-homeless families. "The local response to this emergency was substantial," said Jed Hoffman, CRS regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean. "As rescue efforts are completed and the immediate needs of those affected by the humanitarian disaster are met by local authorities, CRS is working with our sister organization, Social Pastoral-Caritas Bolivia, to ensure care for the children whose parents have been killed or are missing. We will be in Chima for as long as it takes to complete the relief and rehabilitation efforts." UN officials on the scene have reported that children and even some adults are wandering in a daze and will need treatment for post-traumatic stress. Chima is a known disaster zone, similar to the town of Llojeta, where landslides occurred last month, said CRS Country Representative Bill Farrand. "This disaster points out the critical need to increase our efforts in disaster prevention in those areas of known risk." Gold mining has been Chima's primary source of employment. Catholic Relief Services is marking its 60th year as the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community. The agency provides assistance to people in 90 countries and territories on the basis of need, not race, creed or nationality. To contribute to Catholic Relief Services' efforts, send donations to: Catholic Relief Services
For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org |
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