Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - The situation in Ecuador is worsening every day, due to the extreme flooding that the country has been experiencing in the past few days. The population is witnessing record precipitation levels, last recorded 10 years ago, causing rivers to overflow as well. According to government records, there are about 3.5 million Ecuadorians (about a quarter of the population) that have been left victims of the natural disaster that has already claimed the lives of 12 people, with one person missing, and another 265,000 forced to leave their homes. The water has covered 102,000 acres of crops, causing a loss of what is estimated to be over 400 million dollars. 85% of the rice crop has been destroyed.
Last week, the President of the Republic, Rafael Correa, declared a national state of emergency in 9 of the 11 provinces effected, about 50% of national territory. The current situation has surpassed governmental response and in spite of the declaration of a national state of emergency, they have been unable to cover all the needs of those who have lost everything and have been housed in schools and in the homes of their family and neighbors. A total of 4,201 soldiers have been called in to help the population of the 11 provinces that are suffering the consequences of the highest precipitation levels recorded in the last decade.
Moreover, according to the Institute of Meteorology, INHAMI, the rains will continue and flooding is expected until the month of April, with possibilities of more swollen waterways and more effects on the already devastated area. According to local sources, the largest problem begins now, when the accumulated waters become quagmires, increasing the risk of diseases and washed-out roads. The food supply also begins to run low. All these serious damages come in addition to the already suffered effects of the Tugurahua volcano eruption, which took place at the beginning of February (see Fides 8/2/2008)
The Holy Father, Benedict XVI, has made an appeal for Ecuador on Sunday, February 24, in the recitation of the Angelus. While he pledged his prayers for the victims, he also expressed his “personal proximity to those living these moments of suffering and trial, in a country that is now in a national state of emergency” and has made a call to fraternal solidarity, “so that the people of these areas can return as soon as possible to the normalcy of daily life.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/2/2008 righe 31, parole 405)
