Episcopal Relief and Development continues to provide emergency assistance to communities in Ecuador affected by severe flooding. Ecuador has experienced continual torrential rains since the middle of January. On February 20, President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency for the entire country. As of that date 216,000 people have been displaced.
As of March 19, 13 provinces have been severely affected by the rains and flooding, which includes 3.5 million inhabitants. The most severe effects of the rains, which are projected to continue for another month, have been overflowing rivers, submerged homes and crops, displacements and fatalities, and the death of livestock.
According to UNICEF, there is a high risk of dengue fever, malaria, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. “Unfortunately, a natural disaster like this does not finish when the rain stops,” says Karla P. Avila, Program Manager of Latin American and the Caribbean at Episcopal Relief and Development. “We will be paying extreme attention to this area to avoid the spread of these diseases,” she added.
Episcopal Relief and Development is partnering with the Diocese of Ecuador-Central in the district of La Maná. According to the lay vicar of the Episcopal Church in La Maná, ten people have died and there are about 3,000 persons severely affected by the flooding in the immediate area. Three temporary shelters have been set up for the displaced. The primary emergency needs are food, clean water, clothing, blankets, mattresses, medicines, and medical care. With support of Episcopal Relief and Development, the Diocese will provide food roofs, tents, clothing, blankets, medicines, water and transportation among others.
To help people affected by flooding in Ecuador, please make a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development's “Emergency Relief Fund” online at http://www.er-d.org/ , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. As an independent 501(c) (3) organization, Episcopal Relief and Development takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Together with the worldwide Church and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief and Development strengthens communities today to meet tomorrow’s challenges. We rebuild after disasters and empower people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
