GB-CHC-285776-ECU108CAFODAt roughly 19:00hrs CDT, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck Ecuador causing serious damage and loss of life to cities and towns located on the coast. The epicenter was registered about 27 kms from Muisne on the NW coast. Damages have been reported in several towns and major cities on Ecuador’s Pacific coast; from Esmeraldas in the north to Guayaquil (most populated city in Ecuador) in the south. UNOCHA Sit Rep 8 (2nd May 2016) reports The number of casualties increased to 660 and health assistance has been provided to 51,3762 people (4,605 injured during the first 72 hours of the emergency). 23 persons are still missing and nearly 7,000 buildings have been destroyed. The number of people in shelters has decreased to 22,754. Caritas Ecuador will reach 700 HH ( 3.500 people) with food aid, NFI distributions, psychological support and livelihoods supports. The project will last 12 months (until 30th April 2017). With CAFODs contribution we will help Caritas Ecuador to implement the EA12/2016, which has a total value of €1,395,914 and it is currently funded at 32% (correct as of 06/05/2015)Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD)Pastoral Social Caritas Ecuador CAFODcafod@cafod.org.uk30000.000011377.8600CAFOD General Funds18622.1400CAFOD General Funds30000.0000Pastoral Social Caritas Ecuador