World Vision responds to Ecuador earthquake

19 April 2016

World Vision responds to Ecuador earthquake

International aid and development agency World Vision is responding to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Manabi, northwest Ecuador, on Saturday evening (local time).

The latest toll shows the quake has claimed at least 350 lives and left more than 2,000 people injured.

Ecuador’s president says he believes the death toll will rise in the coming days as the extent of the disaster becomes clearer. Hundreds of aftershocks have been recorded since the deadly earthquake first hit. The Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency with the provinces of Manabi, Esmeraldas, Los Rios, Santa Elena, Guayas and Santo Domingo particularly affected.

Because of World Vision’s presence in Ecuador for nearly four decades, the aid agency was able to begin responding immediately to the disaster. Emergency teams set up two temporary shelters, distributed tents, hygiene products, nappies, food, water, and more.

There is a rapid response team currently en route to Riobamba (in the province of Chimborazo) to distribute other emergency supplies, including bottled water, toilet paper, noodles, canned tuna, toys and art supplies for young children.

“This is the worst earthquake to strike Ecuador since 1979. It was a truly terrifying event felt across the country. The people of Ecuador spent a long, sleepless night worried about further shocks,” says World Vision’s National Director in Ecuador, José Luis Ochoa.

“Right now, our primary concern is ensuring the needs of children and their families are met. World Vision is in the process of setting up Child Friendly Spaces where children and young people can access psychosocial care and mitigate any emotional distress.”

]There are reports at least 300 buildings have been completely destroyed, while countless more are damaged and unsafe for habitation right now. Damage to telecommunications and road infrastructure has left some communities cut off from emergency response teams.

All of World Vision’s staff and children in the organisation’s programme areas are safe and accounted for. However, seven of World Vision’s development programmes near the epicenter are reporting no electricity and no running water. The aid agency will be scaling up to reach 10,000 people in the hardest-hit areas, including Manabi, Esmeraldas, and Los Rios, with emergency relief items like mattresses, mosquito nets, hygiene supplies, kitchen kits (pots, pans, plastic cups, plates, utensils, bowls) and water treatment systems.

ENDS

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