Ecuador Earthquake: Our Response (May 2016)
A statement sent to Muslim Hands UK from our team in Ecuador details how your money has helped earthquake victims in Ecuador, and how your continuing support is needed to reach more people in need.
“Assalamu Alaykum,
On the 1st and 2nd of May 2016 we were moving through the earthquake-affected areas of Ecuador and witnessing the great damage that this disaster has caused.
There are three small cities by the sea where the epicentre of the earthquake was - Pedernales, Manta and Esmeralda. These are the worst affected areas.
Pedernales, is nearly completely destroyed and has the highest percentage of human casualties, reaching around 500. Our main focus has been on this city because most of the population have lost their homes, their businesses, all their wealth, and are all located in temporary refuges. They will remain there for at least three months until the government, along with volunteers and international agencies, rebuilds their homes. They are still finding missing people in the ruins of the city.
With the donations we received we have been able to assist two main shelters, housing around 3,000 people with, 10 tonnes of rice – which is what they need most at the moment.
Even though our support is making a difference, unfortunately, the food relief will only last them one week. There are thousands of people affected, and they need all the help they can get.
Right now they are living day by day, most of them not knowing if they will have enough food for tomorrow. We are appealing to all donors to remember these people in their Sadaqah and Zakat.”
By Tijen Horoz, Senior Communications Editor
