Google Launches Chile Earthquake Person Finder

Associated Content's Marie Anne St. Jean informed many of us about the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit central Chile early Saturday morning and reminded us that Haiti's earthquake registered 7.0 on the Richter scale. More Here.

In response to the earthquake in Chile, Google has launched a web tool to assist in finding people and to submit information that you may have regarding those affected by the earthquake.

Click here to utilize the Person Finder for Chile

Click here to utilize the Person Finder for Haiti

These tools are live and can be utilized immediately. Google has created the tools to be submitted in any site accepting html code.

Social networks across the web have become an invaluable tool in quickly disseminating information and assisting in relief efforts. Twitter was noted as the best source of information shortly after the Haiti earthquake. Social networks will continue to have an important role in Chile. Twitter is currently utilizing hash-tags #Chile and #earthquake to distribute information about the disaster.

As a result of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, 214 deaths had been reported and the toll is rising, but not expected to double from an earlier figure of 122. The 2010 Chile earthquake occurred off the coast of the Maule Region of Chile. It was the strongest earthquake affecting Chile since the magnitude 9.5 earthquake in 1960, dubbed the Great Chilean Earthquake or the 1960 Valdivia earthquake.

The 1960 earthquake in Chile is the most powerful earthquake ever recorded. It caused tsunamis that severely battered the Chilean coast, with waves up to 82 feet. The main tsunami raced across the Pacific Ocean and devastated Hilo, Hawaii.

Today, The State Department is seeking information on Americans in the quake zone. The U.S. Embassy in Santiago has established a command center and the department established a Chile Earthquake Google Person Finder for people in the quake zone and people seeking information about them.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a statement, "Our Hemisphere comes together in times of crisis, and we will stand side by side with the people of Chile in this emergency." Clinton leaves for the region Sunday and reports that she will be in close contact with President Bachelet and other leaders.

As always, the American Red Cross is on the ground doing what they do best.

David Meltzer, Senior Vice President of International Services at the American Red Cross said, "Thanks to the generosity of the American people who previously donated to our International Relief Fund, we've been able to release an initial pledge of $50,000 to help the Chilean people in their hour of need and we stand ready to provide additional assistance."

Click here to send in donations to the American Red Cross.

Click here for the Google Chile Earthquake Person Finder.

Click here for the Google Haiti Earthquake Person Finder.

Sources:

AmericanAngle

http://www.redcross.org/