World Vision Ecuador Earthquake Response

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck northern Ecuador on April 16th, causing significant damage to communities in 6 provinces, Manabí, Esmeraldas, Santa Elena, Guayas, Santo Domingo and Los Ríos. Of these, Manabí was the most affected, with 40% of its population impacted. Initial assessments indicate that roughly 720,000 people were in need of humanitarian assistance.

World Vision staff identified the need for new water tanks and purification filters in multiple schools in Manabí province (cantons of Pichincha, Portoviejo, Santa Ana, Campozano, Flavio Alfaro). With support from a GlobalGiving grant, World Vision has been able to install 50 water tanks in order to ensure clean water suitable for consumption. Each 1000-liter tank provides clean water for 100 people. This project complements other Water, Sanitation and Hygiene activities, such as the distribution of hygiene kits and purification tablets, in the target area.

Project Objective

To provide water tanks and purification filters to 50 education centers in Manabí province (Pichincha, Santa Ana, Campozano, Flavio Alfaro cantons) to ensure access to clean and safe water for school children affected by the earthquake.

Activities Accomplished to Date

•Field visits to communities and education centers and schools to discuss needs and priorities

•Selection of beneficiary schools and education centers

•Purchase of 50 Rotoplas water tanks (1,000 L capacity) and 100 Sawyer water filters

•Delivery/installation of water tanks and filters to target schools

•Establishment of agreements with local authorities for the maintenance and care of the tanks and filters

Remaining Activities

•Final community awareness raising session on importance of consumption of purified water

We’ll be providing a final report on this specific project in the next couple of months.