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Ecuador: Earthquake - Mar 2022

Status
Past
Countries
Ecuador
Disaster types
Earthquake

On 26 March, a 6.0-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Ecuador at approximately 11:28 pm. According to Special Seismic Report 2022-001 issued by the Geophysics Institute (IGEPN), the epicentre was located off the coast of Esmeraldas at a depth of 28 km. After a few days, it became evident that the number of affected families continued to increase in different neighbourhoods, as many houses already had previous structural damage from the 2016 earthquake which was worsened by this earthquake. The number of people affected by the earthquake continues to increase on a daily basis. As per Situation Report No. 17, (issued on 6 April 2022 by the National Risk Management Service), 4,097 people have haven reported to be affected mainly in rural parishes of Esmeralda including Tabiazo, Tachina, San Mateo, Vuelta Larga, Chinca, Camarones in Esmeraldas canton, as well as in Quingüe and Daule de Muisne, Súa Atacames. Additionally, people have been reported to be affected in nearby provinces including Cotopaxi, Guayas, Imbabura, Los Ríos, Manabí, Pichincha, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and Tungurahua. (IFRC, 12 Apr 2022)

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Esmeralda on 26 March, affecting 15,235 people, including 6,984 severely. As a part of immediate response efforts in April, WFP and the Government of Ecuador coordinated to deliver USD 240 vouchers to 214 households (1,440 people). WFP and the Government held an event on 11 April to officialize the voucher delivery. (WFP, 20 May 2022)

By mid-April, nearly 17,000 people had been affected by the tremor, including around 2.000 refugees in Esmeraldas. Over 8,000 homes were lightly, partially or severely damaged, while 15 health centres, 16 schools and 12 public buildings were also impacted. At the request of the National Risk and Emergencies Management Service, the Humanitarian Country Team ́s response was activated. UNHCR, has been delivering assistance and protection to refugees and locals affected by the earthquake. In addition, UNHCR continues to advocate for the inclusion of refugees within the government response and assistance. (UNHCR, 30 May 2022)