Zurich. The death toll after the massive earthquake in Chile has climbed into the hundreds. According to current estimates, over 700 people have lost their lives. The New Apostolic Church shares in the suffering of the local population: we pray for the dead and our thoughts also go out to the survivors. There is great hope that many people will still be found alive and rescued from the destroyed houses.

District Apostle Norberto Passuni, leader of the New Apostolic Church in Chile, relates in his first damage report that he has made contact with the local congregations since the first hours after the quake. As far as he has been able to determine, no members have come to harm. Even the local congregation in Concepción, the region hardest hit by the earthquake, has remained intact.

The Church in Chile will participate in relief measures. At present it is very difficult to do so however, reports the District Apostle. He goes on to relate that Chile will remain closed to international flights until further notice. For this reason it will be necessary to wait until the situation has calmed down somewhat.

The earthquake on 27 February 2010 registered a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter scale. Thus it is on record as one of the strongest earthquakes that have ever been measured. The fear of aftershocks remains high.