LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION expressing sincerest heartfelt condolences to the
victims of the devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake, and tsunami, which
hit Chile on February 27, 2010

WHEREAS, On February 27, 2010, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck the
coast of Chile; this horrific natural disaster has taken the lives of at
least 700 people and has displaced more than 2 million Chileans; and
WHEREAS, The Chilean earthquake was followed by more than 76 after-
shocks greater than 4.9 magnitude, and by a tsunami that struck the
coast of Chile and some of Chile's Pacific island communities, causing
loss of life and property damage; and
WHEREAS, This devastating earthquake and tsunami are estimated to have
caused as much as $30 billion in damage to Chile's economy, more than
half of which is from the State of Santiago, which contains Chile's
capital, Santiago; and
WHEREAS, New York State, and particularly New York City, are home to a
large and thriving community of Chileans, and this Legislative Body
joins those communities in solidarity during this time of sorrow; and
WHEREAS, The Chilean community of the State of New York maintains
close ties with family and friends in their native land and are
concerned about their health, safety and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, This natural catastrophe was five hundred times more powerful
than the devastating Haitian earthquake of January 12, 2010, but by
great good fortune, the loss of life is thankfully much less; and
WHEREAS, The United States has pre-positioned resources to assist
Chile if, or when, it asks for international assistance; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the epic devastation that
has been and continues to be caused by the natural disaster that hit
Chile, and particularly the city of Concepcion and the Province of
Santiago, and the far reaching loss of life and damage that has been
sustained by the victims of this tragedy throughout the country of
Chile; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the people of the State of New York, the members
of this Legislative Body offer their deepest condolences to the families
and loved ones of those who were killed or injured, and pledge their
heartfelt support through this time of grief, sorrow, and rebuilding;
and
WHEREAS, Above all else, the generous people of the State of New York,
as represented by this Legislative Body, will be steadfast in their
solidarity with the victims of this natural disaster until stability
returns to their country and hope is restored to their lives; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express sincerest, heartfelt condolences to the victims of the devastat-
ing earthquake and tsunami that hit the country of Chile, and to encour-
age New York's citizens, nonprofit humanitarian organizations, the
State, and governmental subdivisions to render humanitarian aid to our
neighbors in Chile; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Chilean Consul-General in New York City; the Chilean
President, The Honorable Michelle Bachelet; and the Chilean President-E-
lect, Sebastian Pinera.