World Vision Ecuador Earthquake Response

• The earthquake caused 660 deaths and nearly 5,000 injuries. The quake damaged or destroyed about 29,500 homes and as many as 560 schools. Hundreds of aftershocks have hindered Ecuador’s ability to recover and rebuild, but, along with aid agencies, the government has been able to provide facilities to help some children return to their studies. 
• The UN Humanitarian Coordinator has described this as the largest disaster in the Latin America region since the Haiti Earthquake in 2010.
• The Government of Ecuador is playing the lead role in the response, both when it comes to approving/coordinating relief activities, and in the distribution of core relief items.
• At times, the decision making process of the government has slowed response activities, but World Vision has worked diligently to ensure that it has the appropriate permission to conduct its activities.
• Most affected communities are starting to bounce back after the earthquake, but urgent needs remain, particularly for rural communities and people living in shelters. These people will receive special attention in World Vision’s response.

World Vision’s response

• World Vision response has reached over 46.134 affected people by the earthquake in Ecuador. It has delivered hygiene, shelter, cooking, water kits over 9.228 affected families.

• Distributions:

1,371 shelter kits

603 kitchen kits

1,159 water filtration kits

2,739 hygiene kits

24 tanks of 1,000 liters each were installed along with 50 water purifying filters, benefiting 927 affected families

• World Vision provided training to students and teachers (total of 592 people) who are earning Early Childhood Education and Psychology degrees at several universities in the province of Manabi, through 16 workshops for Children in Emergencies and Psychological First Aid.

• World Vision continues to implement Children Friendly Spaces in shelters set up after the earthquake in Ecuador and Development Programs Area of the province of Manabi.

Thank you for supporting World Vision’s work to assist the victims of the Ecuador earthquake. We still have much to do, but we are making a difference and providing hope to thousands of people.