UN '˜deeply saddened' at loss of lives in Ecuador and has opened donation line

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the impact on the health and livelihoods of thousands of earthquake-affected women, men and children,” said Ms Faieta, who is also UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

“In addition to the immediate support to victims we are working with the Government to help affected communities get back on their feet: clearing debris and enabling people to resume their lives as quickly as possible,” she said.

The UN opened the line to help the victims of one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country, upon request of the Government of Ecuador.

UNDP has also started deploying a team of experts to provide support in three areas: rapid assessment of damage and needs, recovery coordination and debris management—working hand in hand with Government agencies at the national and local levels.

UNDP experts will provide technical assistance on the adequate destruction of unsafe buildings and how to dispose of and recycle rubble, in line with the work done in the aftermath of other massive earthquakes, including in Haiti and in Nepal.

Any person in any country can help victims by donating to the following account: Bank of America - USA; Address: Pennsylvania Ave & 15th St NW, Washington DC; Account #: 3751560139; Account name: UNDP REPRESENTANTIVE IN ECUADOR DOLLAR ACCOUNT; Swift code: BOFAUS3N; ABA number: 111000012