damage caused by storms hitting the north of Chile. (Photo: Sernapesca)
CHILEFriday, March 27, 2015, 23:20 (GMT + 9)
Yesterday morning SERNAPESCA began to call its officials in the regions of Atacama and Antofagasta (with support from Tarapacá Region) to start a survey on the damage to the coves of the north of the country affected by bad weather.
This was reported by the national director of the entity, José Miguel Burgos, who said that "at this moment, it is urgent to know about the situation of those most remote coves, such as Totoral, Caleta del Medio and Pan de azucar in the case of Atacama, and the coves Punta Arenas, Urco and Paquica in Antofagasta Region. We are also concerned about the situation of fishermen in Taltal and Chañaral, towns that were hard hit by floods and landslides."
Burgos also said that one of the main problems to carry out this catastral survey is connectivity to the most remote areas, for which they coordinated support from the north, specifically SERNAPESCA office Iquique.
"I’ve instructed the Regional Director of Tarapaca to initiate a journey from the mouth of the Río Loa to Caleta Paquica in the south, as in this sector the way from Tocopilla has been blocked," SERNAPESCA director stated.
In addition, the officials are touring the coves near the towns of Mejillones, Antofagasta and Taltal, for which they have also sought the support of the Navy. In the case of Atacama region, they will try to visit the coves of the towns of Chañaral, Caldera and Huasco, depending on the status of the roads.
In fact, in the case of Huasco, in coordination with the Navy a voyage by sea has been organised to have access to the coves due to the emergency.
Burgos also reported that he had telephone conversations with the president of the Confederation of Artisanal Fishermen of Chile (CONAPACH), Zoila Bustamante, who in turn pointed out the fishermen of the area offered the respective Municipalities full cooperation, by providing local authorities their boats to transport people, food and aid by sea.
"It is a gesture which again enhances the spirit of solidarity Seafarers have and deserves to be known and appreciated," highlighted SERNAPESCA director.