Imagine the ground below our feet trembling violently without our control. With barely anything to use for shelter, an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude brings tragedy to the entire community. People can only watch as loved ones are injured or carried away on a stretcher; if they are lucky enough to receive even that much medical attention. Thousands are homeless, not to mention the hundreds of aftershocks that continue to torture the small, impoverished nation. Some with magnitudes as high as 6.1. Several more are expected to come throughout the week. As the days after the earthquake increase, the death toll follows the same pattern. Now, there are more than 650 dead making the natural disaster one of the deadliest earthquakes in South American history.

    Around 25,000 citizens manage to get by living in shelters. Over 100 people were rescued. Others remain stranded or missing. The aftermath is a $2 to $3 billion estimate in damages and the rebuilding efforts may take years to complete. Taxes will be raised for the general public to support recovery. President Rafael Correa stated that a personal wealth tax will be implemented for the millionaires.

    Apart from the earthquake, Ecuador was already struggling from tanking oil prices. The majority of Ecuador’s exports are received from oil. The national currency collapsed leading to a recession and the contraction of wages. China lended a hand with loans, however, these had high interest rates. Government spending was allotted for education, infrastructure and salaries. Little was saved for natural disasters.

    Rescue workers are flying in from neighboring places and there a countless who are willing to help locally. The search for more victims and bodies has become a great challenge. Those who were able to make it out alive are grateful to have survived. It is important to remember that in the event of an earthquake, drop to the ground, cover under sturdy furniture and hold on until shaking stops.