After the shocking news about Ecuador being hit by a 7.8 earthquake on the 16th of April, together with some friends who live here in the UK, we decided to take an active part trying to help the victims of this terrible natural disaster. Some of the victims are our relatives, extended family or friends. Here are some facts:

The death toll passes 650 people.  In many of the affected areas, families have been dismembered and more than 25,000 survivors are still living in shelters. Around 150,000 children were affected in different ways. Some of them have ended up in orphanages.  

Nearly 7,000 buildings have been destroyed, including schools and hospitals. Around 12,500 people were injured and even today, there are still many towns cut out due to roads being destroyed. The only help available is by air which is very expensive.   At the moment, there are only mobile hospitals near the areas of the epicenter attending patients in critical state . Clean water and food are still scarce.

The knock-on effect of this devastating earthquake is now taking place, not just in the areas near the epicenter, but in the country as a whole.  Thousands of children can not start school yet, parents have been left without jobs and whole families are in bereavement; just to mention a few.

Thanks for taking the time to read our story.  We hope you can help!