CMPC COMMITS TO AID PEOPLE AFFECTED BY FRONTAL SYSTEM IN SOUTH-CENTRAL CHILE

In coordination with local authorities and social organizations, the company has been deployed in the field in the regions of Maule, Ñuble and Biobío to help deal with the new contingency due to this meteorological event.

Furthermore, it has pledged to provide tools and basic supplies in support of hundreds of affected families.
This week saw some very challenging moments in south-central Chile due to the intensity of the frontal system similar to what happened in June. According to figures from the country’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred), this Tuesday August 22, a total of 4,288 victims were registered between the regions of Valparaíso and Biobío in addition to 852 being sheltered at the time. The agency also explained that there were 32,728 evacuees and three deaths.

Faced with this complex situation, CMPC reacted quickly to mobilize its teams in the Maule, Ñuble and Biobío regions of southern Chile to help address the contingency and coordinate all the necessary aid to prevent any further damage.
In Maule specifically the company has been on the ground in the districts of Río Claro, Empedrado, San Javier, Constitución, Cauquenes and Linares setting up machinery to help divert and redirect channels and remove debris while also providing boxes of merchandise.
CMPC representatives in Ñuble went to lend a hand in the districts of Chillán, Yungay, San Ignacio, Pemuco and San Nicolás. CMPC is working in this region alongside the “La Colonia” Association of waterway users on efforts to clean and clear the channels. A list has been created of immediate community needs in order to properly manage the donations that come in.

In Biobío, meanwhile, aid work is being carried out in coordination with mayors and emergency teams to handle problems such as overflowing estuaries and rivers (Laja and Canileo) and major damage to rural drinking water infrastructure.

Regarding the commitment made by the company with neighboring communities, CMPC Forests Corporate Affairs Manager Ignacio Lira, said, “The frontal system has wreaked havoc on different parts of the country. Therefore, our teams are mobilized and carrying out the essential coordination for issuing the aid that is needed to deal with this contingency. In addition to the provision of machinery such as backhoes and excavators and delivering basic necessities, it is key that we collaborate in a timely manner to immediately remedy this complex situation affecting families in the Maule, Ñuble and Biobío regions.”