Ecuador Earthquake

Note: This appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross.

Through the generous support of Canadians, as well as corporate and government donations, over $1.7 million was raised to support this operation.

The earthquake

In the early evening of April 16, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake jolted the entire northwest region of Ecuador.

By the next morning, hundreds of lives had been lost and thousands of people injured. In small towns along the Pacific coast, near the quake’s epicentre, building and homes were flattened.

Red Cross Response

Red Cross teams already in Ecuador rushed to the scene of disaster to help locate and rescue trapped people, give first aid to victims, and comfort those left in a state of shock. Thousands of survivors were in immediate need of food, water, shelter and medical care.

CRC Contribution

In the disaster’s immediate aftermath, the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) mobilized stocks such as blankets, mattresses, and tarps. Following this the CRC deployed its field clinic equipment and personnel.

Field Clinic Deployment

The Red Cross also deployed field clinic equipment and personnel to help reinforce health centres and community outreach activities in hard hit regions. Satellite health posts and mobile clinics were also established. 15 Canadian aid workers were sent to the field and more than 45,000 patients were treated during the operation.

Road to recovery

On June 28, 2016, the Canadian Red Cross handed over field clinic operations and equipment to the Ecuadorian Red Cross. The handover ensured that people in the community continued to receive health services they needed, while the equipment can also be used in the event of future disasters.

Donor Reports

Last updated

January 2019