CIFAL Quito Contributes to Relief Efforts in Ecuador

CIFAL Quito Contributes to Relief Efforts in Ecuador2 May 2016, Quito, Ecuador – On 16 April, Ecuador suffered a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that affected the provinces of Manabi, Guayas, Esmeraldas, and Santa Elena. Moved by the tragedy, where hundreds of people lost their lives, thousands of missing people, hundreds of homes destroyed, the team at CIFAL Quito jointly with the Christian Emergency Committee (CEC), have been providing material, spiritual and emotional support to victims and their families.

A reconnaissance visit to the zero zone was performed; showing a pressing need in many ways. Attention was focused on the province of Manabi through a temporary shelter in Portoviejo where it is currently serving about 2,000 beneficiaries, 1,000 beneficiaries in Pedernales, 1,500 beneficiaries in the Province of Esmeraldas in Cantón Muisne and 1600 beneficiaries in Chamanga.

In these sites an assistance program was implemented including:

  • Community kitchens including food for beneficiaries for at least six months
  • CIFAL Quito Contributes to Relief Efforts in EcuadorCommunal systems to maintain sanitation and hygiene have been implemented
  • Safe childhood areas were created, as well as spaces with reliable protection, especially for children.

This programme has been delivered jointly and with the support of the “Red de Acción”, which is a Network comprising the following foundations in Ecuador

  • Foundation Tase
  • Techo Ecuador
  • Operación Sonrisa
  • Triada Foundation
  • The Triangle Foundation
  • Kiddy House Foundation
  • Cecilia Ribadeneira Foundation

CIFAL Quito Contributes to Relief Efforts in EcuadorOperations in affected areas are expected to last 15 weeks contributing to provide relevant health information for later reconstruction and information about people with disabilities and seniors. Additionally, psychological and recreational support for victims through specialists is provided, as well as food, clothing, water and other basic assistance is provided with the help of young volunteers.

In collaboration with the “Nueva Vida Foundation” and the Secretary of Social Inclusion of the Decentralized Government of Pichincha a shelter was installed, serving more than 50 persons affected by the tragedy.

The network of bamboo builders including engineers and university students has provided training on site on building alternative homes in the affected areas.

As CIFAL Quito plans its upcoming Forum on Risk and Climate Change in Imbabura, critical topics such as territorial planning, emergency preparedness and response, alternative construction and local preparedness will be included.

Photo 1: Vestiges of the earthquake that hit Ecuador on 16 April 2016

Photo 2: Mapping the spread of the damage in around the city of Portoviego 

Photo 3: Local families receiving shelter and basic necessities

Share with