The earthquake struck about 200 miles (325 kilometers) south of Santiago, killing at least 700 people and displacing or injuring some two million others. Chilean President Michelle Bachelet opened the door to international aid yesterday, stating that the country faces "a catastrophe of such unthinkable magnitude that it will require a giant effort to recover."

Chile is home to a vibrant and active Jewish community of approximately 16,000 Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews, of whom 90 percent are concentrated in the capital city of Santiago. Jewish families also live in affected cities like Concepcion and Valpariso-Vina. The community supports a JCC, two Jewish day schools, synagogues, and has reportedly canceled Purim festivities as a result of the disaster.

Based on information we have received from our partner, JDC, as well as from ORT-Chile and the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, Jewish communal institutions have been spared from major earthquake damage due to Santiago's distance from the earthquake epicenter. However, there are reports of damage to two synagogues close to the epicenter and we are awaiting further details. We are tracking the situation through our relationship with organizations on the ground, particularly JDC, which is working with the umbrella body of Chilean Jewry, La Comunidad Judía de Chile.

JDC provides technical assistance to many Latin American countries including Chile, and is conducting a full and rapid assessment of the situation.

JDC relief efforts are part of its International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disaster.