UNICEF and Partners Rebuilding Post-Earthquake Chile

Eduardo Cure: Jessica Fritz lives in Santa Clara, one of the many neighborhoods
in the coastal city of Talcahuano destroyed by the tsunami six
months ago. After an 8.8 magnitude earthquake she’ll sent for
Chile for nearly three minutes. A powerful tsunami followed suit
wiping out entire neighborhood and living 80% of the cities
residents homeless. These floor tiles are all’s that left of Jessica’s
home.

Jessica Fritz: That’s where used to be and the windows run on the other side, we
are now using both of those windows in the Mediagua.

Eduardo Cure: As many others who lost their homes Jessica and her family had to
relocate to a camp on higher ground. They live in the Mediagua. A
shack made of wood that offers family shelter during emergencies.

Families in the area receive support in the form of shelter, food,
and other necessary supplies, thanks to organizations such as
Caritas and UNICEF.

Maria Eugenia Lara: We’ve had a lot of support, food is given not only in the camps but
to the entire population. All the children have received supplies
from UNICEF, good quality back packs and notebooks. Supplies
that is necessary.

Eduardo Cure: But inspired of the loss and devastation life goes on in Talcahuano.
But Jessica attends one of the schools spared by the earthquake.
She is at the top of her class. State schools, have reopened and
accommodates students who were displaced out of their own
classrooms.

Jessica Fritz: I’m starting to adopt because this is the first time that I had to
change schools, I’m also starting to adapt to the place I live now.

Antonieta Matamala: I think children are starting to lie live again as it was before the
earthquake, they’re going to school, meeting again with their
schoolmates and teachers. They’re living a normal life.

Eduardo Cure: Today, the victims of the disaster prepare for the incoming rainy
season. They are hopeful that the government’s promise to build a
permanent home in the next few months and Jessica hopes that her
home will soon be rebuilt.

This is Eduardo Cure reporting for UNICEF television, for more
information visit UNICEF.org. Unit for children.