Ecuador: 3 million affected by floods
Torrential rains have caused flooding in coastal areas of Ecuador and landslides in the highlands. Over half of Ecuador has been affected.
PHOTO: REUTERS/Stringer (courtesy alertnet.org)
March 17, 2008
Plan provides emergency relief to families affected by flooding in Ecuador
In the last few weeks, heavy rains have caused flooding in the coastal areas of Ecuador and landslides in the highlands. More than three million people are now affected, with over 300,000 displaced from their homes. Given the widespread destruction and loss of land (over half of Ecuador has been affected so far) the Ecuadorian Government has declared a national emergency and is asking for international help.
Damage is comparable to that caused by El Nino, ten years ago, with overflowing rivers, extended flood areas, landslides and thousands of acres of lost crops. Many communities and areas along the coast and in the highlands have been isolated because of flooding and landslides. Economic losses are estimated to be US $200 million.
Plan provides emergency response in affected communities
Plan, in conjunction with responding local and national organizations, is currently providing direct emergency support to 155 rural communities in the seven affected provinces in which we work. Our primary focus at this point is providing medical assistance, such as pediatricians and medical provisions, and clean, safe shelters for the evacuees — especially for children, who are both physically and emotionally susceptible during disasters.
Immediate emergency response and relief has included:
Donate today help children and families affected by the flooding in Ecuador. Donations will provide immediate emergency relief to survivors and address recovery needs in the coming days and weeks.
Information for sponsors
We will of course contact sponsors directly if we receive any news about individual sponsored children. If you are planning a visit or have any particular concerns around this issue, please contact our Donor Relations staff at 1-800-556-7918.
Learn more about Plan's work in Ecuador.
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Damage is comparable to that caused by El Nino, ten years ago, with overflowing rivers, extended flood areas, landslides and thousands of acres of lost crops. Many communities and areas along the coast and in the highlands have been isolated because of flooding and landslides. Economic losses are estimated to be US $200 million.
Plan provides emergency response in affected communities
Plan, in conjunction with responding local and national organizations, is currently providing direct emergency support to 155 rural communities in the seven affected provinces in which we work. Our primary focus at this point is providing medical assistance, such as pediatricians and medical provisions, and clean, safe shelters for the evacuees — especially for children, who are both physically and emotionally susceptible during disasters.
Immediate emergency response and relief has included:
- Tools (such as pickaxes, shovels and wheelbarrows) for clearing landslides and draining floods
- Mattresses and blankets for shelters
- Safe drinking water at shelters and affected communities
- Basic food and non-perishables at shelters and affected communities
- Medicines for health centers and mobile units
- Insecticide-treated bednets to provide protection against mosquitoes and help prevent malaria
- Hygiene kits to prevent diseases
Donate today help children and families affected by the flooding in Ecuador. Donations will provide immediate emergency relief to survivors and address recovery needs in the coming days and weeks.
Information for sponsors
We will of course contact sponsors directly if we receive any news about individual sponsored children. If you are planning a visit or have any particular concerns around this issue, please contact our Donor Relations staff at 1-800-556-7918.
Learn more about Plan's work in Ecuador.
Back to top
