UNICEF supports emergency relief efforts in Ecuador, delivering 20,000 water purification tablets to survivors of earthquake

USA - English

• USA - español

NEW YORK, April 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --UNICEF delivered 20,000 water purification tablets to Pedernales today, the area worst affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Ecuador last night. A UNICEF team is on the ground assessing the impact of the earthquake on children. 

At least 246 people have died so far and more than 2,500 people have been injured. The Government has declared a state of emergency, with the heaviest damage in Pedernales, Chone, Muisne, Bahía de Caráquez, Manta, Portoviejo, Esmeraldas and Guayaquil.

UNICEF and partners' first priorities are focused on life-saving interventions, including protecting children and providing them with critically-needed water and sanitation supplies along with tents and school kits. Urgent priorities include preventing the spread of diseases, protecting children who may get separated from their families, providing children with psychosocial support and offering them temporary learning opportunities so they can continue their education.

UNICEF has appealed for $1 million to meet the immediate needs of children and families affected by the earthquake. Since 1973, UNICEF has been working in Ecuador to provide children with a quality education, healthcare, nutrition and protection. 

How to help: For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to UNICEF's relief efforts, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:
Website: https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/support-unicefs-earthquake-relief-efforts-ecuador/30257
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS   
Text: Text "Relief" to 864233 (UNICEF) to make a $10 donation   
Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10038
As with any emergency, in the event that donations exceed anticipated needs, the U.S. Fund will redirect any excess funds to children in greatest need.   
Find us on Twitter: @unicefusa; join us on Facebook: UNICEF-USA

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF

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