The government of Ecuador will open two collection centers on Wednesday to send humanitarian aid to Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake. The National Secretariat for Risk Management announced on Tuesday that the centers in Quito and Guayaquil will remain open through Friday. The agency said the centers will channel support from Ecuadorian citizens to families requiring assistance.
In Quito, donations will be collected at the coliseum of the University of the Armed Forces, known as ESPE. In Guayaquil, supplies will be received at the coliseum of the University of Guayaquil. Both collection points will operate between 08:30 and 17:00 local time, which corresponds to 13:30 to 22:00 GMT.
Accepted items include warm-climate bedsheets, awnings or mosquito nets, single or one-and-a-half size mattresses, five-person tents, and pillows. Donors can also bring plastic buckets for storing water, soap, adult and child toothbrushes, toothpaste, bath towels, and cream deodorant. The government urged citizens to donate responsibly and safely, noting that items must be in good condition and unlisted goods will not be accepted.
The risk management secretariat added that Ecuador is extending a hand of solidarity to Colombia and strengthening brotherhood ties connecting the two nations.
Rescue Teams and Earthquake Toll
In addition to relief supplies, Ecuador made available 47 rescue workers, specialized dogs, and Quito Fire Department teams with seven days of operational self-sufficiency. The same responders traveled to Venezuela in June to assist in search operations following a double earthquake in that country.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia on Monday at 07:34 local time, or 12:34 GMT, with its epicenter near San Jose del Palmar in the department of Choco. The Colombian government raised its official death toll to 181 on Tuesday, though regional authorities reported at least 240 deaths.
