IOM aid headed to Ecuador as earthquake death toll over 413 with at least 2650 injured
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is quick to respond to crisis and IOM Director General William Lacy Swing “has approved the release of USD 100,000 from IOM’s Migration Emergency Funding Mechanism (MEFM) to kick-start activities to help people affected by the earthquake that struck Ecuador’s Pacific coast over the weekend,” according to a April 19 press release.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the region, leaving at least 410 dead and over 2,650 injured. While the reports are still coming in, an estimated 40,000 or more will be displaced by the natural disaster.
The release notes that the IOM has deployed a Regional Rapid Response Team of experts in Shelter and Camp Coordination and Camp Management to support the international humanitarian response, following the government’s declaration of a state of emergency in six of Ecuador’s 24 provinces and its request for international assistance.
IOM already works closely with the Government of Ecuador in the area of disaster preparedness and response.
“As the extent of the damage unfolds, humanitarian coordination in support of national efforts is key to save lives and minimize displacement,” said IOM Ecuador Chief of Mission Damien Thuriaux. “IOM’s current focus is to promote government leadership in key areas of the response, including displacement tracking, shelter management and camp coordination and camp management.”
The hardest-hit area of the South American nation was the coastal Manabi Province, where about 200 people died, said Ricardo Peñaherrera of Ecuador’s national emergency management office.
Get all the details on IOM and the efforts in Ecuador HERE