An earthquake that struck the northern region of Ecuador over the weekend has reportedly caused at least 350 deaths and left a number of fishing towns and communities in dire straits.
The 7.8-magnitiude quake on Saturday, 16 April injured more than 2,000 people and devastated towns like Pedernales, known for shrimp farming, as well as Manta, a tuna port with around 220,000 inhabitants.
"Reconstruction will cost billions of dollars," said Ecuador President Rafael Correa to The Telegraph, adding the quake’s impact on economic growth could also be significant.
The city of Portoviejo weathered considerable damage, along with villages within and surrounding the provinces of Manabí and Esmeraldas; the area is considered a hub for Ecuador’s mahi and tuna industries.
Organizations including Ecuador's National Chamber of Aquaculture are coordinating assistance efforts that will take nonperishable food, clothes and medicines to the affected area. Information regarding donations can be found on the National Chamber of Aquaculture's website.
