As the earth rocked under me, I ran to a doorframe to wait out what I have now come to recognize as tremors. Never, in all of the forty-some years I´ve lived in the Andes, have I experience such deep, long movements of the earth.
Soon I came to know that there had been tremendous devastation in cities on the Coast. At the time I write this, over 530 deaths are accounted for.
The country is pulling together in solidarity. Brigades are heading to the affected areas with water, blankets and hopefully strong spirits, as they confront bodies buried under debris.
Many of you have asked how you can help and where can you send donations. I can attest to the solid hand-on efforts of both Heifer International and Save the Children. If you should want to donate please look into the following links:
http://www.heifer.org/campaign/disaster-rehabilitation-fund/ecuador-earthquake-relief-recovery.html
https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9386805/k.F252/Ecuador_Earthquake_Childrens_Relief_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp
Volunteer in Quito
If you live in Quito and would like to volunteer, either in the city or to go to the coast, please call (02) 228-3915, ext 141, 112, 154, or 150.
You can also call 1-800-456-789 option 5.
Donations of non-perishable goods are being accepted at Convention Center at Parque Bicentenario, all Supermaxis, Megamaxis, Akis, Gran Akis, and TVentas, any church of the Archdioces of Quito, the Scala Shopping administrantive offices, Cruz del Papa (Parque Carolina), and Tribuna del Sur.
(taken from http://www.notyouraverageamerican.com/2016/04/18/best-ways-help-ecuador-inside/)