We started the day today with learning about the earthquake and how it happens... how the tectonic plate near Concepción shifted up and slid onto the plate near the Andes. This resulted in an earthquake of 8.8 magnitude that devastated most of Concepción and areas like Dichato, which were close to the epicenter of the quake. The destruction from the earthquake could already be seen in the city, but when we visited the coastal tourist town of Dichato, I could see the full impact of the tsunami.
The tsunami occurred in three big waves, which is part of the reason why there were as many as 25 victims and 27 considered missing. After the first and the second wave, a lot of the people came back down the hill to see their homes, because the government announced that the danger was over. But then the third wave hit, and many people, homes, and animals got washed away. The waves were huge, as much as 25 feet high. The destruction zone can easily be seen by the marked absence of homes and trees. Many spots only had the bathroom left, since the government had built this as the only brick part of the house for the villagers in order to help with sanitation.
Today was an eye-opener as to just how much Chile suffered during the quakes and how well it has coped.
To end with happier memories, we spent the afternoon with some kids in an under privileged government day-care center. The children were absolutely fabulous and completely adorable! We got them snacks and chocolates and milk and cookies and craft supplies, with face painting being the highlight of the 'noon. By the time we left, I was absolutely COVERED with drawings and scribbles. It was so sweet, and I really didn't want to leave them at all!
My buddy and host family continues to be awesome and might be taking me out to karaoke tonight - my first time ever!
Pictures soon! Estoy muy cansada! Necesita siempre ahora.
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