Two Canadians killed in Ecuador earthquake

OTTAWA – Federal officials say two Canadians are among at least 238 people killed by an earthquake in Ecuador.

Global Affairs Canada says consular officials are in contact with the families of the two Canadians, who have not been named.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake is the strongest to hit Ecuador since 1979, levelling buildings and buckling highways along the Pacific Coast of the South American country.

The quake was centred about 170 kilometres northwest of the capital, Quito. President Rafael Correa has declared a national emergency and some 10,000 armed forces have been deployed to the earthquake region in addition to 4,600 national police.

Global Affairs Canada has asked friends and relatives of those known to be travelling in Ecuador to contact their emergency response centre.

Statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion:

“I am saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life stemming from Saturday’s devastating earthquake near the central coast of Ecuador, which has already cost the lives of at least 233, including two Canadians. As developments continue to unfold, and on behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims. I also extend my wishes for a swift recovery to those who sustained injuries.

“Canadian officials at our embassy in Quito are reaching out to Canadian citizens in-country and providing assistance to Canadians affected by the earthquake. We will continue to work with local authorities to assess impact and needs on the ground.”

Canadian Red Cross responding to Ecuador quake

The Red Cross has confirmed it is responding to the massive quake and is urging Canadians help support their efforts through donations.

“This earthquake struck an area close to the highly populated capital of Quito, and we know that emergency relief including, shelter, water and healthcare are urgently needed,” says Hossam Elsharkawi with the Canadian Red Cross. “Hundreds of Red Cross volunteers from the Ecuadorian Red Cross are providing first aid, supporting search and rescue efforts and conducting rapid assessments to identify the need for additional aid.”

The charity notes it has limited stocks of emergency relief items available in Esmeraldas that are ready to be distributed and additional materials will be brought in from within the region.

Lise Anne Pierce is also with the organisation, and explains it will be a long road ahead for rescue workers. “A lot of buildings are severely damaged, roads have been cut off, landslides are occurring and so we anticipate over the coming hours and days to see an increase in the number of injuries and number of lost lives.”

She adds they will be working with the charity’s South American counterpart to create a strategy to help. “[We have] opened an appeal so that people are able to donate to this specific incident through the Red Cross network.”

If you would like to make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross Ecuador Earthquake Appeal, you can do so online or by calling 1-800-418-1111 or contacting your local Canadian Red Cross office.