Saturday’s earthquake and the resulting tsunami has left parts of Chile in havoc. One factor that makes matters all the more chaotic is that Chile, unlike our part of the world, is now ending their summer season.  Many people were away from their homes  when the earthquake occurred, making it difficult to account for everyone.

Earthquakes are not new to Chileans, but this one was “unparalleled in the history of Chile,” President Michelle Bachelet reportedly said.

Though Chile’s infrastructure is much stronger than Haiti’s, where the last quake struck in mid January; the country is not free of devastation.  Authorities are still trying to restore order in cities like Concepcion, where looters had taken to the streets.

Mario Paredes of the Gabriela Mistral foundation says Chilean earthquake victims don’t want food, water or any other goods sent.  They prefer cash.  For more information on how you can donate, visit the foundation’s website.