Samaritan's Purse rushing to help victims of Ecuador's catastrophic deadly earthquake

Specially trained/equipped Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) on its way

CALGARY, April 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Samaritan's Purse is sending specially trained staff and emergency supplies in response to a 7.8-magnitude earthquake Saturday in Ecuador that killed at least 238 people, injured more than 1,500, and destroyed homes and other buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Samaritan's Purse and its ministry partners are assessing the damage caused by the quake centered 27 kilometers southeast of the coastal town of Muisne, and 170 kilometers from the capital of Quito. It is reportedly the most significant earthquake to strike the Latin American nation since 1987 when a 7.2-magnitude quake killed 1,000.

The Christian international relief organization has deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)—including experienced participants from Canada—from our international headquarters in North Carolina. The response will focus on immediate life-saving interventions including medical care, emergency water, emergency shelter, and likely more.

"We are asking Canadians to support us through their donations and prayer as we hurry to help Ecuador's struggling earthquake victims," said Fred Weiss, Executive Director of Samaritan's Purse Canada. "They desperately need the help of every Canadian right now."

Donations Needed: Canadians can donate to Samaritan's Purse disaster relief work in Ecuador and around the world donate by calling 1-866-663-6500 or visiting SamaritansPurse.ca

About Samaritan's Purse Canada
Samaritan's Purse Canada is an international Christian relief and development organization working in about 40 countries to help victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine, and persecution. It operates the well-known Operation Christmas Child program that sends gift-filled shoeboxes to needy children around the world each year. It also builds and installs life-saving BioSand Water Filters in the developing world. For more information, please visit SamaritansPurse.ca.

SOURCE Samaritan's Purse Canada

Media Inquiries: Frank King, Communications Manager, Samaritan's Purse Canada, 1-800-663-6500 (office), 403-990-0161 (mobile), [email protected]