[Photos] Church and Caritas uplift earthquake affected communities in Ecuador

All photos are by Eduardo Naranjo for Catholic Relief Services

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake turned communities like La Chorrera to rubble when it struck on the evening of April 18th. More than 650 lost their lives and an additional 4,605 were injured. It’s estimated that 1.2 million people were affected.

Church uplifts earthquake affected communities in Ecuador

More than 51,000 sought medical care. Nine hospitals were severely damaged and rendered temporarily non-operational. Caritas responded by providing hygiene kits to help families protect themselves against the spread of disease.

Church uplifts earthquake affected communities in Ecuador

Access to safe water is of critical concern in the aftermath of an emergency. Caritas partners worked with the local government to help repair the water systems in affected communities.

Church uplifts earthquake affected communities in Ecuador

Many lost their livelihoods along with their homes. The Church has set up listening centers to help people process trauma and grief. Over the course of the next 12 months the Church will help Ecuador heal by helping to provide: support with food, psycho-social and spiritual support, shelter reconstruction, and livelihoods support.

Church uplifts earthquake affected communities in Ecuador

Plastic tarps have been distributed to help families build temporary shelter that can give them more privacy. It will also help protect them from the wind and rain. Shelter experts from various Caritas partner organizations have been dispatched to help come up with longer-term shelter solutions.

Church uplifts earthquake affected communities in Ecuador

The people of Ecuador have generously worked to help uplift those who have lost their homes and loved ones but more is still needed. The president has estimated that the cost of rebuilding might be as high as $3 billion. Caritas has issued an emergency appeal to help affected families.

Church uplifts earthquake affected communities in Ecuador

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