On Saturday, April 16th, at 18:58 Ecuador experienced a 7.8-magnitude earthquake. It is the strongest earthquake registered in the country since 1979. The epicenter was right off the Pacific coast, a couple of miles away from Quito. The capital did “ok,” however many of the small towns near the coast were devastated. The death toll keeps rising, and the number of disappeared people as well. Most of the region that got hit by the earthquake is very poor, and their living conditions have worsened.

In the midst of chaos, the enormous solidarity has been noticeable. I currently work at the Quito Mayor’s Office, which mobilized resources from the very first second. Yesterday and today have been a rollercoaster of emotions. It has been amazing to see so many people from my city come together to donate food, clothes, first-aid kits, blankets and more. Hundreds and hundreds kept showing up, not just with things to send to Portoviejo and Pedernales -the most affected towns- but also staying at the volunteer centers all over the capital to help sort out boxes and load trucks until really late at night.

The horror stories keep adding up. Many people have lost their homes and their loved ones. The conditions in the affected areas are precarious. Even though the whole country has gotten together to send some help, it has not been enough. Some Latin American countries have shown their support, such as Mexico sending the famous rescue team “Los Topos.”

Personally, I want to thank the BU community for the wonderful and warm supportive messages. It has been a horrible experience, but I can’t even imagine how it’s been for my fellow countrymen in the coastal areas. I am very proud of my country, especially for the awesome response we’ve had to send assistance ASAP. I am also conscious that the recovery will take not months, but probably a couple of years. I am positive we will come out stronger and continue with the hard work.

Many of you have asked how to help from abroad. Here’s a small list of relief organizations where you can donate. Thanks so much in advance!

1.- Local Organization Global Shapers Quito https://www.generosity.com/emergencies-fundraising/ecuador-earthquake-emergency-relief–2

 

2.- Ecuadorian Government