What has happened in Ecuador?

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 shook Ecuador on Saturday, April 16. It was felt on the whole coast and in the central zone of the Andes of Ecuador. Whole towns and villages were destroyed and large parts of the country are without electricity, telephone, and water. Fourteen thousand members of the security forces have been mobilized in order to help. The priorities have been the search for survivors and the the distribution of food. International assistance has come quickly from Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile, both in donations of food and in the work of technical specialists in the search for survivors. Help from other countries is on the way in the coming days. With the passing of the hours, in the midst of the suffering, it has been striking and beautiful to see the convoys of trucks with water, provisions, and machinery. From the depths of pain, solidarity has emerged as a ray of hope in the midst of despair.

Earthquake in Ecuador: How to help

Both civil and ecclesiastical authorities have been involved in order to relieve the most urgent needs. Professionals are needed: psychologists, doctors, and religious priests, as well as volunteers who are able to dig and rebuild. For those who live outside of Ecuador, it is important to send messages that express solidarity, comfort, and closeness.

One of the first needs is the sending of medicines. The coming weeks will be decisive for the health of the victims: vaccines, insect repellent for adults and children, baby bottles, powdered milk, diapers, and food for those who are nursing. It is necessary to get to the small villages and groups of poor houses which have not yet received adequate help. A group of psychologists and teachers from CESMAG (Maria Goretti Higher Studies Center – Columbia) at the Capuchin University in Pasto, is working to accompany and assist the children during the long days of inactivity, as are other professionals and groups of volunteers.

The Christian groups of the Capuchin brothers in Portoviejo have supported for many years a public soup kitchen for poor children with the help of the Capuchins of Spain. After the earthquake, despite having suffered damage to the walls, this soup kitchen continues to prepare 600 meals a day for those who have been hurt.

The Capuchin church in Portoviejo was heavily damaged and reconstruction will be necessary to make the building safe again. Money is needed to cover the immediate needs. The work of rebuilding thousands of homes is an unsustainable challenge that is beyond the capacity of the country. Everyone must lend a hand. We will move forward together resolutely, with perseverance and support.

SERCADE (SERvicio CApuchino de DEsarrollo – Capuchin Development Service) has made a bank account available in order to receive help. In the coming days or weeks we will be able to set up the assistance concretely.

BANKIA

ES31 2038 1056 28 6001011249

Fr. Rodolfo Erburu – Capuchin Missionary in Ecuador

from the website: http://www.hermanoscapuchinos.org/actualidad/191/terremoto-en-ecuador-como-se-puede-ayudar