Quito/New York – The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a new online and mobile platform to gather international donations for the earthquake relief in Ecuador, upon request of the Government.
The online platform can be found at bit.ly/EcuadorSOS and simplifies the donation process, complementing the previously disseminated bank account information.
A few hours after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Ecuador killing over 350 women, men and children and affecting the lives of half a million people, on April 16, UNDP opened a special donations line to collect international funds for the victims of one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country, upon request of the Government.
Donations received will be directed to five main areas: rehabilitation of key infrastructure, debris management, house repairs, short-term employment opportunities for affected communities and promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
UNDP, ranked the most transparent development agency worldwide for the second consecutive year, will be managing the funds working hand in hand with Ecuadorian agencies at the national and local levels, supporting the Government-led coordination with NGOs, UN agencies and other key partners.
UNDP has also deployed a team of experts to provide support in three areas: rapid assessment of damage and needs, recovery coordination and debris management—working hand in hand with Government agencies at the national and local levels.
UNDP experts will provide technical assistance on the adequate destruction of unsafe buildings and how to dispose of and recycle rubble, in line with the work done in the aftermath of other massive earthquakes, including in Haiti and in Nepal.
Contact Information
In Ecuador: Jose Martino, jose.martino@undp.org; In New York: Carolina Azevedo, Carolina.azevedo@undp.org