Safety Message for U.S. Citizens
Update on April 16 earthquake
April 19, 2016
The U.S. Mission in Ecuador remains committed to assisting U.S. citizens in the aftermath of the April 16 earthquake. We have sent a Consular Assistance Team to Manabí to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens, including accounting for U.S. citizens in the area, helping injured U.S. citizens obtain medical care, and helping people contact friends and family. There has been one confirmed USC death and we have been in touch with the family to express our condolences.
We urge U.S. citizens in Ecuador who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their social media status, and we strongly encourage U.S. citizens traveling abroad to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov so that you receive all official messages.
A state of emergency remains in effect in six provinces (Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo, Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santa Elena) in the western lowlands. Local authorities are making progress clearing blocked roads and restoring power and water in some areas, but affected provinces may not have basic services or supplies, and road closures continue.
The Government of Ecuador posts situation reports that include specific information on conditions in various areas, airport and road status, as well as alternate routing to avoid road closures at http://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/informes-de-situacion-actual-terremoto-magnitud-7-8/. The most up-to-date information on the status of recovery efforts can be found at http://www.gestionderiesgos.gob.ec/.
The Government of Ecuador has accepted the United States’ offer of assistance with disaster relief efforts. In response, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has deployed a team of disaster experts to assist the Government of Ecuador by assessing damage, identifying priority humanitarian needs, and providing information and analysis of the situation on the ground. A separate support team– also deployed by USAID– will work with the UN’s Disaster Assessment and Coordination team, which is helping Ecuador coordinate international rescue activities. USAID is also providing initial funds for critical supplies to help communities affected by the earthquake. More assistance may be forthcoming based on disaster assessments.
The U.S. Mission to Ecuador has received many questions from private citizens wanting to assist Ecuador in recovery efforts. We have posted links to helpful resources on our website at http://photos.state.gov/libraries/ecuador/32152/pdfs/Ec%20Earthquake%20HD.pdf
The U.S. Embassy in Quito and the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil are open for business. U.S. citizens with emergencies should use the contact information below.
During normal working hours, U.S. citizens in Ecuador who need emergency assistance can contact the U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil at 04-371-7000 or the U.S. Embassy Quito at 02-398-5000
For emergency assistance to U.S. citizens outside of working hours, contact the U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil at 04-371-7000 or the U.S. Embassy Quito at 099-788-3222.
You can alert us to U.S. citizens affected by the crisis in Ecuador, including yourself, by visiting Task Force Alert, selecting “2016 Ecuador Earthquake” and providing as much information as possible. From within the United States you may also call 1-888-407-4747.
You may also contact us at EcuadorEmergencyUSC@state.gov
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Ecuador enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Ecuador. For additional information, please refer to our “Traveler’s Checklist” page. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling 1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.
Contact information
U.S. Embassy Quito
Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro
Phone: +593-2-398-5000
E-mail: ACSQuito@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil
Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana, San Eduardo
Phone: +593-4-371-7000
E-mail: ACSGuayaquil@state.gov
Dialing instructions within Ecuador:
- Within the same city and from a land line use the last seven digits.
- For calls from a mobile phone and for intercity telephone calls add the city code preceded by a 0.
Dialing instructions from the United States:
- Add the 011 prefix for an international long distance line.
For after-hours emergencies, call the phone numbers listed above for assistance
