HIGHLIGHTS
One month after the earthquake, humanitarian needs persist in most of the affected areas, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
United Nations launched an appeal for US$ 72.8 million to assist 350,000 people affected for the next three months.
The assessment prepared by the UNDAC team in Paraguay highlights new humanitarian needs after major floods in the country.
As part of the preparations for the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) held on 23-24 May 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey, the WHS Dialogue: Regional Priorities for the Summit took place in Panama.
Needs of Ecuador after the earthquake
One month after an earthquake of a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale devastated the central and coastal provinces of Ecuador, hundreds of thousands of people remain affected. As of 16 April, the earthquake and its aftershocks have caused 661 deaths, 6,274 injured, 240,000 affected people, 18,663 buildings destroyed, 35 damaged health centers, and 600 affected schools. Furthermore, roads and infrastructure present significant damages.
The Government of Ecuador and local response teams have provided support to earthquakeaffected families, assisting them with food, water, temporary shelter, emergency medical care, and other needs. In addition, regional and international aid agencies have been working together to strengthen national humanitarian operations, offering technical expertise, supplies, logistics and equipment.
More than a month later, aftershocks continue. On 18 May, two aftershocks shook the country resulting in evacuations of buildings and widespread fear in people. The magnitude of the aftershocks was 6.8 and 6.9 with the epicenter in Esmeraldas Province. In spite of that, communities struggle to return to their normal daily lives.
The President of Ecuador indicated that reconstruction efforts “will take months, even years, and cost hundreds, probably billions of dollars.” Initial estimates indicate the need for US$ 3 billion, but the National Institute of Statistics and Census is expected to present a more accurate report of damages by sector next June 4th.
The international community should continue to support the Government and the people of Ecuador. The coverage of the international appeal launched on 22 April is only covering 15% of the needs of the earthquake-affected population. OCHA urges donors to contribute to the Appeal to enable humanitarian partners to meet unmet needs.
The World Humanitarian Summit, seeks to strengthen collective action to better prepare for and respond to disasters such as this.