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Ecuador

Appeal for assistance for Ecuador volcano eruption

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is currently responding to the Government of Ecuador's urgent call to international agencies to help provide humanitarian assistance to approximately three million Ecuadorians affected by the recent eruption of the Tungarahua volcano in central Ecuador, including 19,000 people who have been evacuated from their homes.

On August 16, 2006, the volcano began spewing lava, ash, and gravel, completely destroying nearby towns and battering infrastructure. The eruption buried homes and devastated livelihoods, including the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of livestock and agricultural production. The six provinces hardest hit are Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Bolívar, Los Ríos, Manabí, and Guayas. In many areas, electricity, sewage, and water systems have been shut off and are near collapse under the fallen ash.

Many organizations are currently providing basic humanitarian relief such as blankets, non-perishable food items, medicines, and shelters.

Please help PADF support the people of Ecuador during this difficult period.

All cash donations will contribute to high-impact relief activities on the ground in Ecuador. PADF is coordinating its efforts with the Organization of American States and Ecuador's national emergency management authorities.

PADF, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States, has over 40 years of experience implementing development and disaster relief projects throughout the region. Contributions to PADF are tax-deductible in the United States.

Please visit PADF's website at www.padf.org to contribute online or send your contribution, payable to the Pan American Development Foundation to 1889 F Street, NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20006. For additional information or instructions for donations by wire transfer, please contact Christine Herridge, Director of Disaster Management, by telephone at (202) 458-3969 or by email at padf-dc@padf.org.