The earthquake that hit Ecuador has devastated cities such as Pedernales, Manta, Portoviejo, Bahia de Caraquez, Esmeralda and Muisne. The latest updates report that the toll is 654 dead and over 5,000 injured.
The disaster struck the province of Manabi, the city of Manta, and in particular the urban parish of Tarqui, one of the most populated areas, where the Salesians are present. Entire families are homeless and totally unprotected. The shortage of food and water and the deterioration due to having to remain on the streets without basic services, affect the well-being of adults, the elderly and young people and even more so the children and adolescents.
Right from the first moment the Salesians have begun work on an action plan designed to help over 42,000 people affected by the earthquake.
The Salesians in Ecuador are working in coordination with governmental and non-governmental bodies active in the areas damaged by the earthquake in order to improve the effect of these emergency services among people of Tarqui and Crucita neighbourhoods.
After this emergency phase efforts will be directed to clearing away rubble and then rebuilding. The Salesian Province of Ecuador will provide further information on this work.
"We cannot solve everything, but we can help in something" is the motto for all those who want to collaborate. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so through the website: www.salesianos.org.ec.
