Oxfam team assesses the damage in south Chile

Oxfam's assessment of the damage of Saturday's earthquake to the south of Chile is now well underway. The aid agency's team of  logisticians and water engineers split in two and headed for two locations - Constitución and Concepcion.

Both teams are assessing the damage by talking to local authorities, firefighters involved in the rescue work and local people about the extent of the damage. They are particularly concerned about access to clean drinking water and poor sanitation facilities.

The team in Constitucion yesterday visited a school which is acting as accommodation for up to 300 people. Many are sleeping in classrooms or tents in the grounds.

Speaking from Constitucion, Charlie Rowley, who is heading up Oxfam's assessment team in Chile, yesterday said: "The tsunami that hit the coastal areas has done significant damage to infrastructure and we are particularly concerned about the impact to water and sanitation facilities. Shortages of water and poor sanitation are a major concern and if this is not addressed than it could, in time, have an impact on public health.
 
"Relief supplies are starting to reach people in the south and we have seen food and medical supplies being distributed but we believe there are still many people in need who have not received any assistance yet."

The assessment is due to be completed by the end of today. The team will then return to Santiago while the results of the assessment are considered and a decision is made on what Oxfam's response will be.