After being awoken by massive shaking last night, today seems as a good a day as any to let the world know what is going on in “post” earthquake Ecuador. Last night’s 6.7 earthquake was close enough to the epicenter of last month’s 7.8 that it might be considered an aftershock. And though last night’s earthquake was shocking after days of calm, headlines like this one one at CBS News, “Ecuadorians Panic as New Quake Hits Devastated Coast” are not helpful for a couple of reasons.
First, last night’s earthquake did not cause wide scale panic. Yes, some folks ended up in the streets afraid that the swaying apartment buildings might fall. People still suffering from the affects of multiple aftershocks of the 7.8 earthquake are understandably scared. But many people slept right through last night’s earthquake. Those closest to the epicenter lost power but there are few reports of serious damage. This latest earthquake was scary but it was nothing like the earthquake of one month ago.
Second, the headline uses the words “devastated coast” as if the entire coastline of Ecuador is in ruins. It is not. In fact, many towns are begging for tourists to return, particularly those south of Manta. These beaches are some of the most beautiful in the country and are practically empty as tourists have cancelled trips and even local Ecuadorians are afraid to return to their beautiful Pacific Coast.
Economic Earthquake Relief
Ecuador is bracing for a different kind of devastation – an economic one. The country’s economy was already under stress from low oil prices. After the earthquake, the federal government raised taxes in order to help pay for the repairs to many communities along the coast. Places like Puerto Viejo and Pedernales were destroyed almost completely by the 7.8 quake.
In fact, the government of Ecuador is working on a campaign to bring tourists back while they are also helping communities ruined by the earthquake. It is a double edged sword. On the one hand, they still would like donations to come into the country and, on the other, they want tourists to come and enjoy the beauty that is every where along the coast. When they advertise the devastation, it makes it seem like the country is closed to tourism. When they advertise the beautiful beaches, it seems callous towards the thousands of people impacted the damage.
How to Help
For those coming to this blog looking for information on how to help, the Ecuadorian Government is still accepting volunteers. Register on this page if you want to help post earthquake. The form includes an extensive list of specialities from veterinarians to construction workers, health care providers to teachers, nurses to drivers.
If you are looking for missing people, this list continues to be updated. And although the government is still locally accepting donations of food and goods, the best kind of donation is cash in the hands of organizations on the ground:
- The Ecuadorian Red Cross is doing tons. You can check out their flickr page for photos of volunteers on the ground. They are still accepting volunteeers – just fill out this form. For information on how to donate cash within Ecuador or via SWIFT, check out this page.
- Andean Health and Development is still helping after the loss of 7 local hospitals. They are coordinating efforts with the Ministry of Health. Donate at this link to help them.
- Samaritan’s Purse is on the ground working in a mobile hospital in Chone. You can see pictures and stories on their website. To donate directly the Ecuador Earthquake Relief effort, please visit this page.
- The Ceiba Foundation has yet to meet their fundraising goal of $100,000. They are helping the smaller communities near Jama, Ecuador. Donate here to help the Ceiba Foundation.
- The Waterbearer Foundation continues to get water filters to small communities in the Esmeraldas Province by working with Pacari.com. If you would like to help them provide more filtration systems, please donate here.
We know there are many worthy organizations working here that we have not listed. Please feel free to add any to the comments below!
If you have a trip planned to Ecuador, please do not cancel! And consider suggesting Ecuador to your friends and family for their next vacation. There are pages and pages on this blog of great places to visit – all with friendly faces and open arms waiting to greet you.
Hi Angela,
We met you and your son at the little restaurant at Cotopaxi National Park last month. We are now home in California and able to look at your blog. Thanks for the great information! We’ll continue to check it out!
John and Susie Jennings
It’s great to see you here! I hope you enjoyed your time in Ecuador. Maybe the blog will help you plan your next vacation!