[Episcopal News Service] Saturday, May 14 marks four weeks since the 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador causing the death of more than 650 people, injuring more than 4,600 and displacing some 30,000. Recovery from the loss of life and the estimated $2 to $3 billion in damages will take years.
Over the past month, the Episcopal Diocese of Litoral, which serves the coastal area hardest hit, conducted a survey of the communities surrounding its churches in the hardest hit area, and has developed a comprehensive plan to care for the short- and long-term needs of people living in those communities; appointing parishioners to liaise with local government officials.
The diocese is preparing to provide “effective and efficient support” to victims based on the results of the survey, said Litoral Bishop Alfredo Morante-España, in an email message. Support, he added, that will require significant financial resources over the next two to three years.
The diocese’s plan covers four courses of action: providing food; health and medical care; spiritual care; and reconstruction and housing improvement. This disaster has a direct link to some in our parish community. Donors can direct support Episcopal Relief & Development’s disaster fund: http://www.episcopalrelief.org/disasterresponsefund-1
