Georgetown students launch #HoyasForEcuador campaign after earthquake
The international community raises their support for Ecuador and so should Georgetown
On Saturday, April 16th the most powerful earthquake in decades hit Ecuador’s pacific coast, which has resulted in mass destruction and devastation across the country.
Although I have never lived in Ecuador, my father’s side of the family is Ecuadorian and lives in Guayaquil, Machala, and Salinas. My whole life I have gone every year to visit for New Years, and Ecuador’s culture is part of who I am, so this disaster is close to my heart.
As soon as I found out about the earthquake, I called my grandparents who live in Salinas and thankfully everyone in my family is safe. People in Salinas had to evacuate Saturday in case a Tsunami hit the coast as an aftershock.
My family and I supporting Ecuador soccer team for the 2006 World Cup
Ecuadorian Hoya, Alberto Bustamante (MSB 16’) says: “I couldn’t believe it when I read it, it is a heartbreaking situation and I wish I was there to help. Some areas are devastated and people need all the help they can get.”
Patty Isaias (SFS 17’) says: “It’s hard to see something so devastating happen to your home country. And it’s even harder to be so many miles away. However, it’s encouraging to see how supportive people from abroad have been to these people in need.”
The epicenter of the earthquake was close to the city of Pedarnales, but was felt as far as southern parts of Colombia and most of Ecuador (Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas).
Many others have not been as lucky and the death toll has risen to 400 with more than 2000 injured. Additionally, many people have lost their homes or are sleeping on the streets as a safety precaution for the aftershocks.
In the face of such a devastating event, the earthquake has received an exceptional response. In fact, there was an immediate national reaction to help those most in need.
My cousin in Ecuador says: “Most supermarkets are empty, as people have bought all the food to send to the victims. Also, the water companies sent extensive water donations to affected areas since water and electricity has been cut off.”
Ecuadorians have organized to send food, supplies, medicine, and volunteers to affected areas to help their compatriots.
Additionally, the international community has taken on the responsibility of providing Ecuador with much needed aid. Switzerland, Spain, and other Latin American countries have sent search and rescue teams and have contributed to the relief efforts. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) sent a group of experts from Washington DC, Panama, Colombia, and Perú to support the Ecuadorian authorities’ response to the natural disaster. Also, the Red Cross, UNICEF, the Catholic Relief Services, and Oxfam among many other NGOs and international organizations are all taking action to help with the Ecuadorian earthquake.
Due to substantial rainfall in Ecuador and to infrastructure destruction, some towns in in Manabí and Esmeraldas such as Canoa and Calceta, among others are hard to reach and have yet to receive much needed aid.
One of Georgetown University’s core Jesuit values is “women and men for others”, which urges members of our community to engage in international service projects, such as the earthquake in Ecuador.
Therefore, as Hoyas we should be conscious of the necessity that Ecuador faces in this dire situation.
I urge faculty, staff, and students to donate to the cause through the fund created by Ecuadorian Hoya, Manuel Velez (SFS 19′): Hoyas 4 Ecuador.
Or through other organizations:
Kahre: These guys are doing a great job taking supplies to smaller communities that have not received as much government help
Any contribution helps!