The earthquake caused severe damage especially in the north, in a special way in the province of Esmeraldas. The shock had the epicentre about 170km from Quinto (the capital) and just 20km from Muisne (meta touristic, very frequented). In the 6 provinces majorly affected by the earthquake it declared a state of emergency. “The earthquake has affected our country but was also felt in some regions of Colombia and northern Peru – write Ardita and Fabian from the Focolare community of Quito in the aftermath of the earthquake – The situation is critical, especially in some cities destroyed.”

Even from Nagasaki and Tokyo (Japan) wrote for us that “The country, for some days is in a climate of “suspension” for the earthquake on the island of Kyushu in the region of Kumamoto and Oita, in front of the Nagasaki region. This situation has triggered an immediate solidarity and prayers in a religious and civil ambient.” Local authorities have already prepared the reception for almost 184,000 internally displaced persons.

To respond immediately to the emergency in Ecuador, a fundraising has been activated. Here are the two current accounts for the collection:

• Reason: Emergenza Terrmoto Ecuador

• Destination: Azione per un Mondo Unito ONLUS (AMU)

• IBAN: IT 16 G050 1803 2000 0000 0120 434 (Banca Popolare Etica)

• SWIFT Code/BIC: CCRTIT2184D

• Reason: Emergenza Terrmoto Ecuador

• Destination: Azione per Famiglie Nuove ONLUS (AFN)

• IBAN: IT55 K033 5901 6001 0000 0001 060 (Banca Prossima)

• SWIFT Code/BIC: BCITITMX

If you have direct news from the countries affected by the earthquake, or if you have news about initiatives of help and support for the affected populations, Update us by writing to info@unitedworldproject.org.