In early June, Ecuador was hit by a violent and sudden flood. In just twelve hours of rain, six rivers overflowed. Twelve thousand lives were turned upside down. Among the areas most affected was the province of Esmeraldas, where thousands of people were evacuated and had to abandon their homes in a hurry, taking with them the few things they could hold in their arms. Nothing more. AMU is already present in Ecuador with Sunrise Ecuador, a project shared with the communities of the province of Esmeraldas to strengthen existing productive activities and to support the micro-projects of young people, such as the Ecological Clubs : girls and boys who fight for the environment and sustainability. The young people of the Ecological Clubs immediately promoted a collection of basic necessities with the support of AMU and the association Obra de María- Ecuador. They distributed food kits, hygiene materials, shoes, mattresses, sheets, kitchen utensils. flood in EcuadorThey reached even the most remote areas.
“People felt forgotten by the authorities who only helped the most central places. The people of these rural places where we went to deliver aid, when they saw us, were moved.
Some left with tears in their eyes, because at that moment they were in great need of urgent help having lost everything”. This is the testimony of an Ecuadorian boy who went to help the communities affected by the flood. The floods occurred at the beginning of the winter period and this only increases the difficulties for the many families left homeless.
