In response to the earthquake that occured in Chile on February 27, at 3:00pm local time, the International Red Cross released 300,000 Swiss Francs (279,000 USD) from it's emergency funds to help support the Chilean Red Cross. The International Red Cross has now launched a preliminary emergency appeal for seven million Swiss Francs (6.4 million USD). The latest government statistics say over 720 people have died, over 1.5 million were effected by the quake; the death toll is expected to rise. Within four hours of the quake the Chilean Red Cross, with the National Office of Emergencies and Information (NOEI), deployed their emergency response teams, consisting of 120 volunteers; now the Volunteers have risen to over 2,000. The Chilean Red Cross has 42 branches in the regions of Bio-Bio and Maule, which were most effected by the earthquake, some even destroyed. The Chilean Red Cross has distributed food, hygeine products and blankets to the survivors; as well, has asked the local population to donate blood to the hospitals. The rrecently requested money will provide 15,000 families with relief goods, tents and tarpaulins as well as a field hospital, generators, water and sanitation teams and logistics support over the next six months.