April 21, 2016
First Hand Account – The First Day – Canoa, Ecuador
Good News & Bad News
How You Can Help!
Dear Friends and Travelers,
Since the 7.8 earthquake in Ecuador last week, the mild after shocks continue in the coastal region affected – the situation is evolving – as are the many reports.
Michael and I have heard from so many of you! Thank you for your concerns and thoughtfulness. We were not traveling there at the time, but want to relay what we have learned after days of monitoring stories, news reports and friends’ accounts on their travels.
The earthquake hit the northern coastal area of the country last week. The death toll, remarkably low due to the dispersed population here, has nonetheless risen to over 500; the casualties are more than 3,000 – with more to be discovered – hopefully. Of course, time is of the essence. While we await news of any more survivors, and hope injured victims have found their way to medical assistance…. the financial cost estimates keep rising in to the billions of dollars! Oh my.
Here is a first hand account from the coastal town of Canoa by Court Rand, in Ecuador working at Freedom Bike Rental. He wrote this to his father, Bob Rand of Northampton, New Hampshire who gave me permission to share with you.
Letter by Court Rand in Canoa Ecuador.
The good news:
Most of the country was not damaged in the high sierras, the rain forest, the southern cities of Cuenca and Loja or the capital city of Quito. The people and places we know and visit annually received no personal injuries and the buildings survived without damage from the wave-like rolling experience that took place. And our friends from Southern California, where earthquakes are a frequent experience, found that they were able to continue with their plans.
In every email we receive, the message is clear:
Please Continue with Your Plans to Visit Ecuador!
For example, owner of SachaJi, Maria Teresa Ponce, architect & yoga teacher writes:
“The main tourism areas here in Ecuador are fully operational, including main airports in Quito, Quayaquil, the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands.”
And some people have found ways to really make a difference: providing safe shelter for the injured, preparing medical supplies kits to send out on motorcycles into the country side. See this ABC news report from Canoa where Court Rand is living. http://abcnews.go.com/International/video/ecuadors-canoa-beach-hotel-devastating-scene-deadly-earthquakes-38579492.
The bad news:
Maria Teresa continues: “The damage is severe and widespread in the poorest areas of the Pacific Coast. Thousands of people are in need of shelter. The need for help is enormous.”
The President Rafael Correa is imposing an extra tax on the wealthy citizens of Ecuador to help pay for the emergency relief fund. See a recent story by CNBC: http://www.cnbc.com/2016/04/21/deadly-quakes-continue-to-defy-prediction.html
The economy now is at a point of zero growth because of the low price of oil. The shrimp industry that used to thrive here was wiped out by a virus called the white spot syndrome. The effort to rebuild will take more than new roads!
Here is a list of a variety of organizations sent by Maria Teresa:
The United Nations Development Program
The Tropic Campaign for Solar Energy – for solar energy kits
The Waterbearers – for water filters
Thanks for keeping us posted here in the US of A – as news reports reflect the local situation – very chaotic.
Nik Millhouse at Hacienda Cusin and their sister inn Las Palmeras Inn
Maggie Reinier at Posada del Quinde,
Lorena Tapia in Quito and Nono Cloud Forest retreat,
Peter Joost at El Refugio de Intag Cloud Forest Retreat,
Maria Teresa Ponce at SachaJi Yoga Center
We are most grateful for your hospitality and friendship.
We wish the people affected by the event God Speed through their Recovery
Sending wishes to each of you for Happy Trails,
Peace,
Ramelle
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