In Numbers
520,000 people heavily affected in Esmeraldas and Manabí provinces only
260,000 targeted for WFP food assistance
45,000 people assisted
Highlights
On 16 April 2016 at 06:58 pm local time, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the northern coast of Ecuador.
On 21 April two aftershocks of 6.1 and 5.7 magnitude were registered.
The death toll has climbed over 580 people and 8,000 injured.
WFP plans to assist the most vulnerable population with food assistance over three months.
Situation Update
The authorities immediately activated emergency protocols as well as the national Emergency Operations Center with the military and police deployed to assist in the response.
Government efforts are concentrated in the affected area and include health services, search and rescue teams, police and army.
The government requested assistance to the UN. In consultation with the UN Resident Coordinator, an UNDAC team has been asked to provide support in assessing the situation and in coordinating response as required.
On 20 April, the President informed about the exceptional economic measures introduced to address the current crisis, including an increase in VAT from 12 to 14 percent.