On behalf of the University of Concepción, I wish to express my solidarity and send them a message of hope to all those who are suffering the consequences of the earthquake of February 27 past.

The country, and particularly the region is going through a hard trance. Substantial material damage have been, and worse still, we have suffered the loss of human lives. The University community has not been alien to these effects, because we must regret the death of two students and two University staff. Express their families our most heartfelt condolences.

We know that the professionals trained at the University, including those who have been victims of this natural disaster, are concerned about the current situation of the Alma Mater and therefore we want to tell you our University is physically damaged, but is not on the ground or devastated and its operational capacity is underway.

From that same morning, we are working hard to create conditions enabling the University community to resume their activities safely. You and I can inform you that on Monday March 15 began the reinstatement of the academic staff and administrative and return to academic activities with students is scheduled for April 5.

Damages are still evaluating, but according to the preliminary estimate bordearían 50 million dollars, whereas infrastructure, equipment and the loss of years of work in important scientific, research of high relevance to the country, in the affected centres.

The University, supported by its prestigious national and international levels and numerous networks of collaboration involving, is generating mechanisms to address this situation and exit strengthened.