News
Earthquake in Ecuador
Ecuador (Manabi) (Ecuador)
On April 16, 2016, a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated a part of Ecuador, causing a very serious tragedy, unforeseeable in all its dimensions. The effects are very painful. Up to today, there are 350 victims and about 2,500 people wounded. Some are still buried under the rubble even though volunteers, people of good will, together with the police are offering their help for first aid. This is the greatest tragedy of the last 67 years that the country has had to confront.
The coastal zone at the confines with the Pacific that includes the provinces of Esmeralda, Manabi, Guayas, and others in the same area; El Oro and Las Rios have been heavily hit by the earthquake. The FMA of Ecuador have five presences in this area and all have suffered painful consequences at various levels from this tragedy. The greatest damage was suffered by Mary Help of Christians School in Manta where a large part of it collapsed. The community Animator, Sr. Rudolfina Avila, reported that the sisters are unharmed and that they are all involved in helping the victims and those in precarious situations. They are giving hospitality to families, sharing their community space, and sleeping outside because of the continuous tremors and after shocks.
In the area of Guayaquil, the work in Guasmo has been destroyed; part of the wall has collapsed.
In the most devastated areas of the earthquake, the dead have reached 246, and the wounded, 2,527, not counting the people who have lost everything.
In the face of this painful tragedy, there is a great sense of solidarity and humanity on the part of everyone. The Ecuadorian government and the Church are promoting various initiatives of solidarity to help the provinces most hit.
We thank God for the gift of the life of our sisters and we feel accompanied by Mother and the whole Institute that in various ways have made us feel their fraternal solidarity and closeness.
For update information:
http://www.salesianasecuador.org