People affected by earthquakes in Esmeraldas slept in fields outdoors for fear of aftershocks

Nearly 100 people, almost all of them relatives, who have spent the night in an area full of trees since the 5.8 M earthquake struck the province of Esmeraldas, and destroyed several houses, especially in Atacames and Tonsupa.

There, this multitudinous family improvised a bedroom. Without tents, outdoors, they placed mattresses on the ground, some covered with awnings, and tried to sleep, although each new replica of the earthquake awoke them again.

In Tonsupa some houses were close to collapse, mattresses scattered on the ground under the trees, frightened children, adults, and seniors.

The people expect that the arrival of President Rafael Correa to the site is beneficial. Others just want to reach his hands to rise. “We are a working people, and if God gave us the opportunity to stay alive, I know we are going to endure this,” says Maria Teresa, owner of a food business located in the beaches of Tonsupa. She believes that few tourists will arrive for the Christmas and New Year´s Eve.