Ecuador (MNN) ― Thousands of Ecuadorians are still living in temporary shelters in the wake of a rainy season that has pummeled the country since January. This is considered the worst flooding in 25 years, with damage estimates at a billion dollars.
"The access to the land is gone. The businesses are down and destroyed by the water. There's no income. There's no food," says Christian Reformed World Relief Committee's Jacob Kramer, summing up the crisis.
The stagnant water and contaminated wells are leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. On top of that, the education system has been severely disrupted with nearly 20 percent of the schools damaged or partially destroyed.
Although the rains may be slowing, it will likely be next month before the floodwaters recede enough to begin rebuilding.
CRWRC, with its partner Rowan, has begun its response to the situation in Ecuador by distributing mosquito nets and food aid to families in 12 remote communities in the Manabí province and two communities in the Guayas province.
Their commitment speaks volumes. Kramer says, "The aid we are providing is through the churches, and as such, we are empowering the local churches to reach out beyond their membership in order to be the hands and feet of Christ. That is really an empowerment of mission of the local churches, and we see the Spirit greatly moving in that area."
