The government of Ecuador on Tuesday said state of emergency has now been declared in 14 provinces worst affected by severe weather and a strong earthquake that shook the country over the weekend.
The measure adopted will be in force for 60 days as authorities aim to mobilize economic resources to support the population and repair infrastructure.
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Saturday left at least 14 people dead and hundreds injured. This was followed by heavy rains that destroyed roads, bridges, and public and private infrastructure and has killed another 21 people, according to government data.
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The people and sectors in the provinces where a state of emergency had been declared would be “attended to immediately” as they were the hardest hit by the weather and earthquake, a government statement said.
Lasso, a conservative in office since May 2021, also said he will issue a rental bonus for people who have lost their homes valid for a maximum of three months, and announced the construction of social housing.
Story was adapted from Reuters.
