Edition: English | 中文簡體 | 中文繁體 Монгол
Homepage > World Video

Provisions and sanitary conditions challenged in earthquake-hit Ecuador

CCTV.com

04-25-2016 09:36 BJT

It's been 8 days since a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Ecuador. Authorities say the death toll has risen to 654 people, and 58 are still missing. 

Hundreds of strong aftershocks have rattled the country since the quake. More than 25,000 people are living in shelters, and many are even sleeping outside, struggling to find food and water.

A major camp in the northern town of Muisne is accommodating 700 people. Supplies are abundant there, but many complain that distribution is not well organized.

There are even reports that some unaffected people stole relief materials from the camp. Because of a lack of toilets, many are concerned that there is a high risk of an epidemic outbreak.

"It was chaos at the supply distribution place. It was poorly organized. There is no order, so those who ran faster could get it, while those who were left behind could do nothing but wait for help," resident Alfredo said.

"Many people donated a lot of relief materials in the first couple of days after the earthquake. However, some unaffected people took advantage of this, taking supplies such as mattresses and food from shelter to shelter," said Gonzalo, Chilean volunteer.

"And the government is trying its best to provide people with mobile toilets. But before that, many people had to do their business wherever they could find. This has increased the risk of an epidemic outbreak, and our camp is on the verge of this situation."

Follow us on

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Instagram

  • Please scan the QR Code to follow us on Wechat