By Fernanda Wu, Hsiu-Lien Chu | Chile 

The disaster survivors expressed their gratitude to the Tzu Chi volunteers for bringing timely care and supplies, with volunteers like Fernanda Wu offering comfort and support. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/02 

 In early February 2024, a relentless wildfire tore through central Chile, leaving entire towns like Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and Quilpué reduced to ash. Over 40,000 families were displaced, their homes scorched to the ground, their lives in disarray. Amid this desolation, a team of five Tzu Chi volunteers from the capital Santiago embarked on a journey to the devastated regions, determined to bring relief and hope to those who had lost everything.  

 

Entering the Disaster Zone: Understanding the Needs of Survivors 

As they traveled to Villa Alemana, one of the hardest-hit areas, the sight of charred landscapes and burnt-out cars greeted them, a stark reminder of the fire’s ferocity. Entire forests had turned to blackened skeletons; homes obliterated by the flames. Some houses, miraculously untouched, stood as silent witnesses to the erratic nature of the wind-driven fire. But for most residents, the fire had shown no mercy. 

In the Escoval Canyon, the volunteers met Alejandro, a local worker who was repairing the damaged water lines. "Without electricity, we can’t pump water to the tower," he explained, his face etched with worry. "The lack of water is one of the biggest problems for the survivors." Alejandro’s dedication to restoring water to the community mirrored the broader struggle of the residents to rebuild their lives from the ashes. 

Yong, another local volunteer who had lost nearly everything, recalled how the fire had ravaged his town. "The flames were just a kilometer away from my home. My wife is still recovering from the shock," he shared. Yong’s strength was tested, but his spirit remained unbroken as he worked tirelessly alongside the Tzu Chi team to assess the needs of survivors. He knew that many, like himself, were living in temporary shelters, their homes turned to rubble. 

 

Everywhere the volunteers looked were scenes of heartbreak. They visited Jose, a man whose house had been completely incinerated. The only thing left standing was a small swimming pool. His helplessness was palpable, but the volunteers, embodying Tzu Chi’s values of compassion, gently reassured him that it was possible to start again. 

  Homeless Survivors: Empathy and Comfort 

 For some survivors, the fire had destroyed more than just their homes. Luis, who had been living in a tent, was despondent, his face lined with grief. Fernanda Wu, the leader of the volunteer team, hugged him tightly, offering words of comfort: "You must stay strong for your family. I lost my factory in a fire in 2003, but I rebuilt my life. You can, too." Her empathy sparked a glimmer of hope in Luis, who resolved to face the challenges ahead with renewed courage. 

 

The volunteers pressed on, visiting more devastated areas like Sector El Patagual, where entire streets had been reduced to rubble. Here, the survivors spoke of their immediate needs—food, water, and cleaning supplies. A makeshift camp had been set up, and the volunteers were moved by the resilience of those they met. One elderly woman recounted how she and her family had narrowly escaped the flames by dousing their home with water as the fire encircled them. "It felt like being trapped in an oven," she said, her voice trembling. 

 

Overcoming Difficulties 

Despite the overwhelming destruction, the Tzu Chi volunteers remained undeterred. On February 24, after weeks of planning and organizing, they returned with trucks loaded with essential supplies. In Quilpué, they gathered at a local school to distribute 122 relief packages, each containing enough food to sustain a family for over a month. The packages included rice, flour, lentils, bottled water, and shoes—necessities that would provide both comfort and a sense of security to those who had lost everything. 

Among those assisting with the distribution was Jacqueline, a local teacher and martial arts coach, who introduced herself warmly to the volunteers. "I’m here with my team to support Tzu Chi’s efforts. We’re in this together," she said, her voice filled with determination. As the survivors received their packages, smiles slowly replaced the grief on their faces, and children beamed with joy as they clutched toys donated by students from afar. 

One particularly moving moment came when Humberto, a former school worker, approached the volunteers. "I helped distribute Tzu Chi’s relief packages during the pandemic, never thinking I would need help myself. Now, my home is gone. But I am grateful, deeply grateful, for your assistance," he said, his voice steady despite the tragedy he had endured. 

Pressing Onward with Love 

Later that day, the volunteers traveled to Alemana to deliver aid to those who had been unable to reach the earlier distribution. Among them was Gaston, a resident of the Escoval neighborhood, who was deeply touched by the compassion shown by the volunteers. "I am so moved by the love you’ve brought to us. We need this support more than ever," he said, his eyes brimming with tears. 

  

As the sun began to set and the volunteers made their way back to Santiago, they reflected on the day’s events. Their hearts were full, not just from the acts of giving, but from the resilience and gratitude of the people they had met. Though exhausted, they knew that their work was far from over. 

Yong and Alejandro, local volunteers from Alemana, had to trek up mountainous paths on February 25th to deliver supplies to disaster-affected residents living in remote mountainous areas. | Photo courtesy of Chin-Chiu Liao | Chile | 2024/02/25 

In the aftermath of the wildfires, the road to recovery is long and arduous, but the volunteers are committed to being there for the survivors. Through the ashes of destruction, they brought not only material aid but the warmth of human kindness, proving that in the darkest of times, love has the power to heal, rebuild, and restore faith in the future.