As part of its mandate to engage in post natural recovery and reconstruction operations, the Palestinian International Cooperation Agency deployed a team of emergency response and disaster medics to Ecuador, after a powerful earthquake of a magnitude of 7.8 that hit the South American country in April 2016 killing at least 77 people and injuring hundreds. The state of Palestine was the only country outside of Europe and Latin America that sent rescue experts to help the victims of the devastating earthquake.
The team included 16 doctors, nurses, and high levels specialists in emergency, and surgeons in various required medical fields and a media team.
The delegation conducted medical consultations and surgeries and handed out aid packages to the affected areas.
On behalf of President of Ecuador Rafael Correa, the Ecuadorean Minister of Public Health Margarita Guevara, expressed appreciation for Palestine for the quick response in sending the medical team to help the Ecuadorean earthquake victims.
“Palestine and Ecuador have always shared a strong bond and been supportive of one another. Despite its limited resources and capabilities, Palestine would always try to help other countries hit by calamities” Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki said.