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Death toll from Ecuador earthquake rises to more than 400

Some 413 people are now known to have died in a powerful earthquake in Ecuador at the weekend, ac...
Newstalk
Newstalk

06.39 19 Apr 2016


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Death toll from Ecuador earthq...

Death toll from Ecuador earthquake rises to more than 400

Newstalk
Newstalk

06.39 19 Apr 2016


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Some 413 people are now known to have died in a powerful earthquake in Ecuador at the weekend, according to the latest government update.

The 7.8 magnitude tremor left thousands of others injured.

A 33-year-old nun from Co Derry, Sister Clare Theresa Crockett, was among those who died.

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The Home of the Mother Order says her body, along with those of two missing girls also associated with the group, was found amongst rubble.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to her family.

The department says anyone with concerns for Irish citizens can call +353-1-408-2000.

A national emergency has been declared as President Rafael Correa landed back in the country late Sunday to oversee the relief effort, after cutting short a trip to the Vatican.

Thousands of food packages and sleeping kits have been delivered from neighbouring countries, bringing warmth to the many thousands left homeless and with no choice but to sleep outside in the dark.

In a televised address to the nation, President Correa said: "Ecuador has been hit tremendously hard...this is the greatest tragedy in the last 67 years".

"There are signs of life in much of the rubble and that is the priority".

He has praised Ecuador for coming together.

In some of the worst-hit areas, 60% of houses were destroyed - leaving many families with nothing.

Families have expressed their frustration at being unable to rescue their loved ones from collapsed buildings.

Aid supplies and trained rescue teams are being sent from Bolivia. The country's president, Evo Morales, says they cannot just stand by.


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