Cristina Medina and Susana Arroyo in Ecuador
The Tungurahua Volcano in Ecuador erupted again on 16 August. This time “the throat of fire”, as the Quechua people call it, has been extremely violent. According to official reports, this intense cycle of activity has affected almost 300,000 people, damaged hundreds of houses and caused extensive loss in the agricultural sector.
Clouds of gas and molten rock have destroyed everything in the volcano’s vicinity. Further afield, animals, houses, schools and health centres in Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Pastaza and Bolivar departments have been covered by ash. Almost 5,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters.
“This time the volcano destroyed all we had but I still hope to see my harvest growing again. We belong to these lands and living together with the volcano is part of our story”, commented Luis Mariño, an Ecuadorian farmer who has been evacuated together with his wife and seven children.
Over the course of the week, the Ecuadorian Red Cross has supported many people like Luis, providing first aid, basic health care, face masks, protective glasses and psychosocial care to support those who lost not only their belongings but also their work and livelihoods.
But the work is just beginning. Another eruption could happen at any time and the communities, the National Disaster System and the Ecuadorian Red Cross are prepared to face a more severe disaster. Regarding the current and future needs caused by the volcano, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has issued an international appeal for 632, 064 Swiss francs to assist 5, 000 affected people over the next five months.
“We have worked and will continue working in response to the Tungurahua’s emergency, but our efforts need to be complemented by other key actors interested in helping the affected communities but also in building together with them a new opportunity to start all over again” explained Juan Cueva, President of the Ecuadorian Red Cross.
Distribution of hygiene and cleaning materials, provision of food and community-based education materials on risk reduction are three of the main activities that will be carry out thanks to the appeal. Almost 1,400 children will be provided with support to deal with the trauma caused by the eruptions.
“We thank in advance the support the global community will give us. To respond to this emergency is a big challenge, but also a great opportunity to confirm the Ecuadorian Red Cross will do everything possible to support those who need it”, said Cueva.
The work carried out by the Ecuadorian Red Cross will be coordinated with the local authorities and the local Red Cross branches in the provinces affected. Around 300 Ecuadorian Red Cross volunteers will be involved in this operation, one of the biggest in the history of this National Society.