UNICEF will need $1 million to meet the immediate needs of the quake-affected children

A deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake has struck Ecuador, putting the lives of millions in danger.

Early reports are that as many as half a million children, men and women have experienced very severe shaking, while 15.2 million across the region have felt the quake’s impact.

Reports are coming in of children being pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Homes and schools have been destroyed, hundreds of lives lost, and children are among the thousands who are injured and afraid.

The country has declared a state of emergency

This was one of the strongest earthquakes to hit Ecuador in decades. We must respond right now.

You can help children and families affected by disasters like the earthquake in Ecuador – make a donation today to our Earthquake Emergency Fund. 

We are ready to respond following the earthquake

UNICEF delivered today 20,000 water purification tablets to Pedernales, the area worst affected by the earthquake that hit Ecuador last night.

Unicef staff are on the ground assessing the situation right now. We have supplies like water kits and tents pre-positioned in surrounding countries, ready to meet the needs of the children of Ecuador.

At least 246 people have died so far and more than 2,500 people have been injured. The damage is heaviest in Pedernales, Chone, Muisne, Bahía de Caráquez, Manta, Portoviejo, Esmeraldas and Guayaquil, spurring the Government to declare a state of emergency.

Keeping children safe in Ecuador

We have been working in Ecuador for 43 years.

UNICEF will continue to work with humanitarian partners to provide education, protection and water and sanitation supplies, including school kits and tents. Urgent priorities include preventing the spread of diseases, protecting children who may get separated from their families, providing affected children with psychosocial support and offering them temporary learning opportunities.

This will be a colossal effort. While the earthquake’s epicenter was around the central coast, it was felt as far away as Colombia and Peru.

Your donations put you on the front lines alongside us.

Please donate now.