Rapid response for Ecuador earthquake

Two MapAction volunteers have deployed to Ecuador this morning in response to Saturday’s major earthquake. MapAction’s support was requested by the United Nations, following a call for international assistance from the Ecuadorian government on Sunday.

It is anticipated that the team’s initial focus will be to help coordinate search and rescue efforts in the hope of finding more survivors. MapAction’s highly-trained volunteers will also map the needs of survivors, so that responders can target their aid accordingly.

Ecuador is a country prone to earthquakes, so the government has strong procedures in place to be able to respond. Nevertheless the scale of this particular shock – the strongest since 1979 – has caused considerable loss of life and severe damage to infrastructure across an extensive area.

MapAction has sent one of its most experienced volunteers, who has previously undertaken 13 other emergency missions, including to last year’s Nepal earthquakes. Our team trains year-round to be able to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies such as this, so I’m sure our contributions, once again, will prove invaluable in helping to save lives and getting aid to where it is needed most.
MapAction’s Operations Director, Emma Mumford