Ecuador Devastated by Killer Quake

Note: The last major update this page received was in May 2016.

A 7.8-magnitude quake rocked Ecuador's coast on April 16, 2016, killing hundreds and injuring thousands more. Given the death toll—over 600—it was the deadliest earthquake to strike the country since 1987.

"The earthquake in Ecuador has caused incredible death, injury, destruction, and loss. We're responding as quickly as possible to help with emergency needs such as water, shelter, and medical care. We help in the Name of Jesus Christ and want to show people His love. Please keep them in your prayers," said Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham.

In a series of airlifts, Samaritan's Purse has sent an emergency field hospital along with dozens of medical staff to treat the suffering in Ecuador. The first of those airlifts occurred on April 20 and the hospital is already operating in the hard-hit town of Chone. Samaritan's Purse utilized a newly refurbished DC-8 cargo plane as transportation.

The emergency field hospital is a mobile unit that gives Samaritan’s Purse a physical location to treat and help patients in need. It has an emergency room with the capacity to see more than 100 people a day, an operating theatre with the ability to perform 7-10 surgeries daily, 20 inpatient beds, and an outpatient clinic with onsite pharmacy.

In addition to the overwhelming medical need, Samaritan’s Purse is also working to bring clean water to 50,000 people and meet the shelter needs of 5,000 households. Materials related to these sectors also have been airlifted.

We are and will be working through church partners as this response develops.

Please remember to pray for the people of Ecuador as they face this disaster. Ask for healing for the hurting, comfort for those who have lost loved ones, and for salvation for those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ.