ADRA Ecuador has been mobilizing volunteers in several cities to run collection sites receiving donations from church members and the general public.
These collections include dry food, basic hygiene items, and water that is transported and distributed in the affected areas. ADRA was the first agency to arrive with assistance in Pedernales, where they distributed the water and dry food kits.
On Monday, April 19, ADRA distributed food to 239 people in temporary camps and 87 people in shelters. ADRA volunteers were even able to assist a woman who gave birth in the street, as well as assisting her wounded relatives.
All of these activities were carried out in coordination with the MIES (Ministry of Economic and Social inclusion).
There are active ADRA volunteers in the area of Pedernales and 30 volunteers from Santo Domingo and Quito, who are working on an initial rapid needs assessment (EDAN) in order to better understand the complex situation on the ground and continue to provide the most relevant humanitarian aid.
ADRA is also working on setting up a water purification unit in Pedernales to better serve the affected population with the supply of drinking water.
Additional emergency response team (ERT) members from the global ADRA network are travelling to support ADRA Ecuador on the ground.
EARTHQUAKE
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Ecuador at 18:58 local time on 16 April (GMT 00:58 on 17 April) with its epicenter in the coastal city of Pedernales, there have been at least 156 aftershocks. The death toll stands at 413 according to the latest official numbers and is expected to rise as search efforts continue after 48 hours.
The number of people affected could reach up to 70.000 to 100.000 according to some estimates, but numbers are still unclear. At least 3,000 people are thought to be displaced.
Emergency support is critical – please consider an urgent monetary contribution.
