Heavy rains in Ecuador have caused widespread flooding and strong winds across the country’s coastal and low-lying mountainous regions, leaving hundreds of families vulnerable. In response, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Ecuador, supported by volunteers from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has partnered with national and local authorities to deliver emergency aid to the worst-affected areas.

Coordinating with the National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR) and local governments at the parish, cantonal, and municipal levels, ADRA Ecuador delivered 100 food kits to residents in Celica, located in the Loja province. In Charapotó, Manabí, 80 hygiene kits were distributed to families facing sanitation challenges after the flooding. In San Luis de Pambil, Bolívar, 100 sheets of Duratecho corrugated roofing were supplied to assist residents in repairing damaged homes.

“We’ve all been affected by the river flooding. There are a lot of mosquitoes. This aid is very helpful. Everyone here works in agriculture, and all of that has been affected. Thank you so much for the help and for taking us into account,” said María José Ganchoso, a recipient of aid in Charapotó, Manabí.

ADRA’s response is designed to complement the government’s initial actions and address the most urgent needs in affected communities. This emergency intervention was made possible by donations to ADRA Ecuador’s national public collection campaign, “Disaster Relief,” enabling immediate support for displaced and struggling families.

In addition to material aid, ADRA Ecuador activated its volunteer team to assist in Manabí and distributed financial support funded by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), with the goal of safeguarding food security in impacted households.

Multiple Crises: Floods and Oil Spill Compound Emergency

Since the beginning of the year, Ecuador has faced a series of emergencies linked to extreme weather events. These challenges have been compounded by a recent oil spill in Esmeraldas Province, caused by a landslide that ruptured the country’s Trans-Ecuadorean Pipeline System (SOTE). The spill has contaminated key water sources, including the Caple Estuary, the Viche River, and the Esmeraldas River, raising concerns for public health.

In response, ADRA Ecuador is working closely with SNGR, the Ministry of Public Health, and local governments in Esmeraldas, Quinindé, Atacames, and Rioverde. A mobile medical unit staffed with physicians, psychologists, and nurses has been deployed to affected communities to provide primary health care.

“At this point, it is important to highlight the operational and technical capacity of the ADRA Ecuador team,” said Ronald Estrella, National Coordinator of Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance for ADRA Ecuador. “They provided a response in three provinces simultaneously due to the rainy season and, in parallel, developed plans to address the oil spill emergency.”

He also emphasized ADRA Ecuador’s ability to activate regional and international financial mechanisms, adding that the agency has teams trained in first response, emergency health, psychosocial support, needs assessments, economic recovery, and communication in crisis situations.

Donation Centers Open in Quito

To support the ongoing crisis response, ADRA Ecuador has established collection centers in Quito for individuals wishing to donate supplies. The organization is currently accepting contributions of non-perishable food, cleaning and hygiene supplies, bottled water, coastal-appropriate clothing, rubber boots, diapers, medical supplies, and medicines.

ADRA Ecuador has also activated its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiative. Using emergency response funds, the agency is distributing safe water through the deployment of a water treatment plant and supplying communities with water reservoirs of over 2,000 liters. Families are also receiving jerry cans to store clean water.

In addition, ADRA will conduct community training sessions focused on emergency WASH practices, particularly in the context of environmental contamination caused by the oil spill.

About ADRA

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, providing sustainable development and emergency assistance worldwide. Founded in 1956, ADRA operates in more than 100 countries.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site. Follow ANN on social media and join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news updates.