Recovery from large-scale disasters such as the massive earthquake that rocked Chile on Feb. 27 is best measured in stages.

Photo by Howard Collett

Prior to the earthquake, Adrian Hernandez had planned a service project with the youth in his ward. In the end, the service project was building a house for his family. Like many others, his adobe house had been damaged beyond repair. The young men and their priesthood leaders helped Brother Hernandez build a modest new home near the old one.

Church officials in that quake-weary nation say stage one is behind them. "We're past that first stage where the emergency response has been handled," said Bruce Muir, the Chile Area's director of temporal affairs.

Indeed, in the hours, days and first few weeks following the disaster, both general and local priesthood and Relief Society leaders worked endless hours to ensure that quake victims were being fed and sheltered. That's largely been accomplished in Concepcion and other severely affected regions. Now the focus for Latter-day Saint Chileans shifts to "stage 2."

Photo by Howard Collett

The LDS meetinghouse in Constitucion suffered little damage. Neighboring buildings were destroyed.

On March 15, a Church-sponsored cargo plane laden with relief supplies and provisions landed in the Chilean capitol of Santiago. Traditionally, such airlifts have included first-response items such as food and water ?— but the Chilean shipment essentially consisted of building supplies and other non-food materials, including tents, tarps, sleeping mats, water purification bottles, blankets and diapers.

Since the quake struck, Church leaders have been able to purchase food and water in country, said Brother Muir.

Chilean government officials, including the nation's interior minister, met with members of the Chile Area Presidency prior to the plane's arrival to offer thanks for the Church's immediate and ongoing assistance. About 70 percent of the Church's donation will be distributed by the government. The rest will remain under Church control.

Photo by Howard Collett

Patricia and Alejandro Hernandez recover a primary poster from the bedroom where their two girls had been sleeping when the quake hit.

The Church-handled items were expected to be transported to bishops' storehouses in southern Chile to be distributed to those in need by local priesthood leaders, said Brother Muir.

Much of southern Chile remains a hyper-active seismic zone. On March 11, a 6.9-magnitude aftershock rattled much of the country even as Chile's new president, Sebastian Pinera, was being sworn in. That temblor was followed by two large aftershocks moments later.

"It's still unnerving down here," said Brother Muir.

The quakes have also left much of the nation's electrical grid in a fragile state. Large-scale blackouts have been common as far north as Santiago. Still, electrical and communications services are in general operation. Most stores have reopened and public transportation means in affected areas are up and running.

The quake exacted a precious price on Chilean members. Seven were killed and another remains unaccounted for. Nine other members were hurt, although their injuries are not life-threatening. More than 430 LDS families — 2,012 total members — have been unable to return to their homes. Twenty-three Church meetinghouses were being used to shelter some displaced members.

Photo by Howard Collett

Member Manuel Rodriguez points to the high water mark where the tsunami passed around his home.

"The great majority of [displaced members] are living with relatives and friends — they've found a temporary solution," said Brother Muir.

Chilean members are being saluted for their quick response to help those in need.

"The members have rallied all over the country," said Brother Muir. "They have made thousands of blankets. The youth and institute groups have made more than 10,000 hygiene kits. Even in the affected areas, the members have organized in wards and branches to help one another and help their neighbors."

Meanwhile, the missionaries continue to provide service to all who are in need.

Photo by Howard Collett

Juan Briones and Manuel Avendano from the Talca Chile Stake hand out blankets and food to members and neighbors, including the Alegria family and their neighbors in Rinconada, Chile.

Quake victims have food, water and shelter — but many lost their jobs to the disaster. Brother Muir acknowledged that employment among members will be affected. "So many businesses have been hurt ... many small businesses will suffer."

Brother Muir said the Church is already working with a network of LDS family services counselors who will be enlisted to provide ongoing support to those emotionally damaged by the historic earthquake.

jswensen@desnews.com