Exactly 15 years ago, on February 27, 2010, at 3:34 a.m. local time, Chile was struck by a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake, one of the most powerful ever recorded. The violent tremor lasted about three minutes and triggered a tsunami, devastating coastal towns. Over 500 people lost their lives, while millions were displaced. Infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and bridges, suffered heavy damage, leaving Chile urgently needing international assistance. Paraguay was among the countries that stepped forward to help.
Paraguay’s Response: A Message Of Solidarity
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo expressed his solidarity, calling on Paraguayans to support the Chilean people in their time of need. In an official statement, he urged: “Go to your homes, and when you are gathered at your tables, pray for our Chilean brothers and also remember the people of Haiti, who are still suffering as a consequence of the earthquake. It is proven that prayer is powerful.” His words reflected the deep ties between South American nations and set the stage for Paraguay’s humanitarian efforts.
Lugo Meets Piñera Amid Earthquake Aftershocks
On March 11, 2010, President Fernando Lugo travelled to Chile to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Sebastián Piñera in Valparaíso. This visit, while primarily for the inauguration, also served as an opportunity to express Paraguay’s support for Chile’s recovery efforts following the disaster. The inauguration took place amid continuing aftershocks, some of which were strong enough to alarm attendees. Despite the tense atmosphere, Lugo and other South American leaders reaffirmed their commitment to helping Chile rebuild. Notably, this meeting also marked the end of Michelle Bachelet’s first term as president (2006–2010). Bachelet, who had been managing the immediate response to the earthquake, officially handed over power to Piñera on the same day.
Picture on the Left: Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of Argentina, and Fernando Lugo of Paraguay. Picture on the Right, Sebastián Piñera of Chile and Fernando Lugo of Paraguay. Source: Wikimedia.
A Supermarket Campaign For Chile’s Earthquake Effort
Beyond diplomatic engagements, Paraguay’s private sector also mobilised to help Chilean earthquake victims. The Cámara Paraguaya de Supermercados (CAPASU) launched a nationwide relief campaign called “¡Fuerza Chile! Paraguay te quiere” (Stay strong, Chile! Paraguay loves you) in May 2010. This initiative allowed citizens to donate non-perishable food items at 78 participating supermarkets. The Asociación Pro Chile played a key role in coordinating the aid, while the Paraguayan meat and rice industries made significant food donations to help those affected. These efforts reflected a strong sense of regional solidarity, with even Paraguay — a smaller economy — stepping up to contribute.
Beyond Donations: Regional Cooperation
Paraguay’s support extended beyond material aid. The government actively participated in discussions within Mercosur, ensuring that regional resources were effectively mobilised for Chile’s recovery due to the earthquake. These diplomatic efforts strengthened the long-term reconstruction process and reinforced South American unity in times of crisis.
The 2010 Chile earthquake was a tragic event that left a lasting impact on the country. While large-scale aid came from major world powers, Paraguay’s contributions — through government support, supermarket campaigns, and industry donations — showcased the power of regional solidarity.
Now, 15 years later, Paraguay’s earthquake response remains a testament to South American unity, proving that in times of crisis, borders fade, and compassion prevails.
