Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - It is a painful toll in material and human terms that is being calculated in these hours in Ecuador. In recent days, continuous and intense rains have brought not only the capital but in general the whole Country to its knees. A note from the Bishops' Conference of Ecuador (Cee) and Ecuadorian Caritas describes the dramatic situation and also speaks of "avoidable disasters", thanking all the Catholics of Ecuador, men and women of good will, who work in these hours tirelessly and without great resources.
"The situation in Ecuador is worrying, the vulnerability of people in every part of the Country has increased - explains Sister Marina Aguilar, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Ecuador to Fides -. In unprotected areas in particular, there have been severe floods, loss of human and material life, in addition to the oil spill in the Amazon area and the prison crisis.
Furthermore, last Monday a large landslide hit the «La Gasca» area, causing many victims". Rescuers have been working hard since yesterday thanks to the fact that the rains are slowing down. "So far 26 have died, 9 people are still missing, and it is believed that many are still under the mud that has reached 2 meters in height - comments the Director of the Ecuadorian PMS - Many are injured and many families have been left homeless".
The Church in Ecuador immediately activated a network of aid to help those living in distress. "As PMS we are trying to bring concrete support to the affected families and we provide food to the people who are working in the rescue and debris cleaning operations - says Sister Aguilar -. The PMS have also launched a campaign of prayer and collection of aid at a national level through some diocesan directors and missionary groups. At the moment the greatest difficulty that remains is that of being able to access the affected areas by means of vehicles to support the families who have lost everything". (E.G.) (Agenzia Fides, 4/2/2022)
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