February 27, 2010 - WASHINGTON, DC - The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) encourages Americans to respond appropriately and responsibly to today's earthquake in Chile. To best help the victims in Chile, Americans are asked to donate cash as an alternative to in-kind donations such as clothing and canned goods. Cash donations are widely recognized as the most efficient and effective means of relief, a policy supported by CIDI's funding partner, the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, and those in the established international disaster response community.

The 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Chile early Saturday and hundreds have been reported dead with more casualties feared. This is the strongest earthquake to hit Chile in more than 50 years and one of the strongest earthquakes measured anywhere. A tsunami warning has been issued to most nations around the Pacific Ocean.

"Americans can help the most by donating cash to an established relief agency," says Suzanne H. Brooks, Director of CIDI. "As we saw with the recent earthquake in Haiti, there is an urgent need for Americans to respond appropriately. Cash donations to help the efforts of professional humanitarian relief agencies are the absolute best way to aid Chile's earthquake victims."

CIDI reminds Americans that cash donations can be used to buy the supplies, clothing and emergency items needed on the ground, without the delay of collecting, packing, shipping and distributing in-kind items, which may be inappropriate for the victims.

Those interested in making contributions to help the victims in Chile can get more information by visiting CIDI's Web site at www.cidi.org. Additionally, interested donors can visit www.interaction.org to obtain a list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies and www.give.org to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities. In addition, donors can visit www.globalgiving.org.

About CIDI
CIDI is based in Washington, DC and was created in 1988. The Center is funded by the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance. CIDI provides individuals, groups, embassies and corporations with information and guidance in support of appropriate international disaster relief efforts. The organization works with a variety of partners to channel the public's energy and desire to help to achieve maximum impact. By reaching out to the American public and the private sector, CIDI helps to promote activities and donations that will do the most good for disaster victims around the world. For more information about CIDI and helping international victims, please visit www.cidi.org.

Media may call 202-821-1983 to reach a CIDI spokesperson.
Members of the public may call 703-276-1914 with offers of goods or services.