Spill causes environmental and social damage

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding to the needs of people after a devastating oil spill occurred in Los Vergeles, in the Quinindé district of the Esmeraldas province, Ecuador. The spill was caused by the rupture of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System and caused severe environmental and social damage, contaminating rivers, mangroves, and beaches, and severely impacting marine flora and fauna. In response, Salesians quickly mobilized to provide aid.

A Salesian explained, “The impact on local communities has been catastrophic. Many families lost their primary sources of income due to water contamination, mass fish deaths and an initial fishing ban. Both children and adults are now exposed to serious health risks from contact with oil and inhalation of toxic fumes. The environmental crisis has grown into a full-blown humanitarian emergency, compromising access to clean water and food security.”

Given the scale of the disaster, critical aid for affected communities was needed, including clean drinking water, health care services and means of livelihood. Environmental clean-up efforts and effective rehabilitation strategies are also urgently needed to restore the damaged ecosystems.

The Salesian North Coast Foundation, which supports more than 400 children living along the Esmeraldas River, began work immediately. Father Robert García, director, and Father Marco Paredes, who leads pastoral care in the river region, coordinated the delivery of donations and humanitarian aid.

These donations were made possible through the support of Ms. Sisi from Germany, the Salesian Community of Riobamba, the Catholic University and the Santa Maria supermarket in Esmeraldas. Donations of non-perishable food and water were distributed with help from the Caritas group from Santa Cruz Island and Madre del Salvador, along with young members of the Salesian Youth Movement. Thanks to this effort, 383 families have received food kits.

“We are grateful for the solidarity of Father Marcelo Farfán, provincial of Ecuador, and all the Salesian institutions in the province who are actively responding to this cause and continuing to deliver aid to the affected families,” said Salesians from the foundation.

The entire Salesian network across Ecuador has rallied together in support of the affected families, launching the #UnidosPorEsmeraldas (United for Esmeraldas) campaign. Among the first to respond were members of Don Bosco La Tola. Students, parents, teachers, staff and school authorities came together to collect bottled water, non-perishable food, cooking oil, cookies and wet wipes.

All donated supplies were sent to the Salesian Polytechnic University, which has been designated as the collection and coordination center for the direct delivery of aid to affected neighborhoods and families.

The Salesian added, “At Don Bosco La Tola, we continue to believe in the power of solidarity to transform lives. Now more than ever, we are one Salesian Family, acting with heart.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Ecuador – Salesian Solidarity for the People Affected by the Environmental Disaster in Esmeraldas

Salesian Missions – Ecuador

UNICEF – Ecuador