News

© UNICEF Ecuador

HONG KONG, 18 April 2016 — A terrible earthquake measuring 7.8 in magnitude shook the coast of Ecuador on saturday night. This is the strongest earthquake in decades, destroying infrastructure and flattening buildings. It was estimated that 15.2 million people across the region may have felt the earthquake, including half million children, men and women who may have experienced “very strong” to “severe shaking”. Situation is evolving rapidly, at least 246 people have died so far and more than 2,500 people have been injured.

UNICEF has been working in Ecuador since 1973. UNICEF delivered today 20,000 water purification tablets to Pedernales, the area worst affected by the earthquake that hit Ecuador on saturday night. A UNICEF team is on the ground assessing the impact of the quake on children, and working around the clock to help those affected.

UNICEF will continue to work with humanitarian partners to provide education, protection and water and sanitation supplies, including school kits and tents. Urgent priorities include preventing the spread of diseases, protecting children who may get separated from their families, providing affected children with psychosocial support and offering them temporary learning opportunities. UNICEF will need HK$7.8million to meet the immediate needs of the quake-affected children.

Ms Jane Lau, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF said, “Earthquake of this size can be deadly, toppling buildings, and destroying roads and infrastructure. In a major emergency such as this one, every minute counts. UNICEF is now working closely with the Government of Ecuador to respond to this natural disaster. We’re calling on Hong Kong people to support our relief work to help the affected children and their families.”

 

To help quake-affected children and families in Ecuador, please make online donation at unicef.org.hk/en/donate.

 

Donation for Ecuador earthquake:

© UNICEF Ecuador

(In the unusual event that donations for Ecuador earthquake exceed the needs, we will direct your gift to disaster or emergency relief actions elsewhere.)

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Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF