Ecuadorian quake ‘truly terrifying’
18 April, 2016 – International aid and development agency World Vision is on the ground and responding to a 7.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Manabi, northwest Ecuador.
The quake, which claimed at least 240 lives and left more than 1,500 people injured, happened on Saturday evening, local time. Over 160 aftershocks have since been recorded.
The Ecuadorian Government has declared a National Emergency with the provinces of Manabi, Esmeraldas, Los Rios, Santa Elena, Guayas and Santo Domingo particularly affected.
World Vision’s emergency teams are continuing to assess the damage and needs of communities. Simultaneously, and in partnership with the Government, it is distributing supplies such as tents, hygiene products, diapers, food and water.
“This is the worst earthquake to strike Ecuador since 1979, when 1,000 people were killed. It was a truly terrifying event felt across the country. The people of Ecuador spent a night worried about further shocks and today finding out about the extent of the damage,” says World Vision Ecuador’s National Director José Luis Ochoa.
There are reports at least 300 buildings have been completely destroyed, while damage to telecommunications and road infrastructure has left some communities cut-off.
“As always, 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 (CFS) where children and young people can access psychosocial care and mitigate any emotional trauma,” says Ochoa.
World Vision has worked in Ecuador since 1978 and currently assists some 60,000 children and youths through education, life-skills, health, and protection initiatives.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Photos from Manabi attached.
- For more information, contact Santiago Mosquera, Communications Manager
E-mail: santiago_mosquera@wvi.org
Skype: santiagomoskera
Cell Phone: +593 967636370
Cell Phone: +593 998543217
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy agency dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.