IOM – International Organization for Migration

Published purpose

April 2016 - On April 16, a 7.8 -magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Ecuador at 6:58 p.m. local time. Hundreds have been killed, thousands injured and over 700,000 people are affected. Over 1,500 buildings have either been damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. Most urgent needs are ensuring access to clean drinking water, sanitation services, temporary shelter, food and emergency medical assistance for those affected. With GAC's support, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing shelter, clean water and other basic services to those affected by the earthquake. The project activities include: (1) distributing shelter tarpaulins and toolkits to affected people; (2) gathering data related to the needs of people displaced by the earthquake, including gender-based violence and child-protection risks; and (3) managing and coordinating displacement sites, including internally displaced persons in host arrangements and communities, in cooperation with the Ecuadorian government.