Rescue and cleanup tasks are focused in three provinces

 

Human and material losses, as well as affected road infrastructure are the main damage left by the earthquake of 7.8 degrees on the Richter scale on Saturday afternoon, April 16. Yesterday (April 17), the Risk Management Secretariat reported that 272 people died and 2,068 were injured. There are 95 people in shelters, 370 buildings were destroyed, 151 buildings and 37 schools were affected. Until yesterday there were 214 aftershocks.

At 22:30, President Rafael Correa, in a nationwide broadcast, confirmed that there are 10 000 agents (military and police) mobilized and the death toll will significantly rise, he added that the government will continue giving priority to rescue operations. He also announced that in coming hours two mobile hospitals would arrive to Portoviejo and Chone.

Finance Minister Fausto Herrera announced that the order was given to transfer $ 47 million for emergency relief in Manabi. But clarified that an emergency line with multilateral lending agencies for USD 600 million is ready.