Ecuador to send daily aid plane to Venezuela for earthquake victims

Ecuador is mobilizing a significant humanitarian aid effort, planning to dispatch a daily aircraft to Venezuela throughout this week. The initiative focuses on delivering essential supplies collected from nine collection centers across Ecuador to victims of the recent devastating earthquakes in Venezuela's northern region.

The scale of the disaster is immense, with official figures reporting at least 1,719 fatalities and 5,034 individuals injured. The earthquakes have also severely impacted infrastructure, with approximately 59,000 buildings affected. Ecuador's Vice President, María José Pinto, has been overseeing the collection and dispatch process, emphasizing the collaboration between civil society and the private sector.

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From civil society and the private sector, a 50-ton plane is leaving. We are going or intend to send about one plane daily as well. We have rescuers on the ground and will continue to receive as long as the people keep bringing it.

"From civil society and the private sector, a 50-ton plane is leaving. We are going or intend to send about one plane daily as well. We have rescuers on the ground and will continue to receive as long as the people keep bringing it," Pinto stated, highlighting the ongoing collection efforts.

The aid package specifically addresses the needs requested by Venezuela, including potable water, family tents, mattresses, cleaning products, towels, diapers, and kitchenware. Pinto noted that water is the most requested item, but supplies for temporary shelter are also crucial as many people are left homeless. Ecuadorian firefighters are already participating in search and rescue operations in Venezuela, demonstrating a commitment to solidarity despite the two countries having severed diplomatic ties in 2024.

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What we have the most of is water, which is what the Venezuelan people have asked us for the most. There is toothpaste, brushes, soap, and we need things for temporary accommodation. There are people without houses, without a place to sleep.