Coello Zambrano Earthquake Relief
Donation protected
UPDATE: 8/21/16. Life goes on. Argentina's room is completed, she is more comfortable, and the family has moved back into the repaired section of the house, and are grateful. But, life in general, has gotten harder for the coastal residents, including the family. There is a lot of stress, despair, and depression amongst the people.
For the earthquake victims who lost their homes, the federal government hasn't come through with permanent housing solutions, as the citizens without economic resources all expected. People are still living in tents, and cooking outside - four months and counting with no end in sight. The family state the number one need is for permanent housing. For many, still living under inadequate tarps, they need better tents.
More than 70,000 families registered as earthquake victims. The President, Rafael Correa, touts their program of "incentives" - food coupons of $100 for 3 months, a stipend of $135/mo. for 6 months, if a family can become renters, and another for $150/mo. for 6 months for foster families. As of July, it appears 17,000 families who have housing, qualified for those.
The government website stated in July that more than 5,700 people are housed in official government tent cities, where they receive food, sanitation, health services, and security (also curfews and strict rules). International governmental and non-governmental aid organizations have installed 26 tent cities for 9,000 residents in the two affected coastal provinces.
Construction loans are only available to residents who qualify, which is difficult due to the poverty. At this time, only 1,200 new housing units are under review.
Additional funds are being used to rebuild three hospitals and repair 117 health centers and 13 hospitals. Twenty six schools have been reinstated. The president has stated that it will cost $300 million to construct the new housing, but the government borrowed $3 billion dollars, and only 1,200 are underway. The media has reported that some of the earthquake funds have been tracked as transfers to run the government and make payments on outstanding debts. Will anyone follow up on this? I might write the New York Times.
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El gobierno se informó que 70.000 familias constan ya en el Registro Único de Damnificados. De ellas, 17.000 están habilitadas para recibir bonos de acogida, alimentación y alquiler y que hasta el momento más de 10.000 bonos han sido cobrados.
Presidente de la República, Rafael Correa, en su conversatorio con periodistas en Manabí, informó que 300 millones de dólares, aproximadamente, costará la construcción de viviendas para los damnificados por el terremoto.
En el tema de construcción de viviendas 1.200 soluciones habitacionales en estos meses ya fueron edificadas en sitios seguros y cumpliendo con todas normas técnicas (pero solamente para la gente que tiene dinero u podia calificar para un prestamo del gobierno). También se enfatizó que la recuperación de la infraestructura educativa marcará un hito en la historia, pues en tres meses se entregaron 26 escuelas provisionales en Esmeraldas y Manabí.
Condiciones dignas para más de 5.000 damnificados en ManabíPortoviejo (Manabí).- 5.746 personas se encuentran en albergues del Ministerio de Inclusión, Económica y Social (MIES) en la provincia de Manabí. Aquí reciben una atención digna para afrontar esta crisis.
Entre las instituciones que reconocieron el trabajo del Estado destaca la opinión de la Agencia de la ONU para los Refugiados (Acnur) que resaltó la organización de 26 albergues oficiales instalados en Esmeraldas y Manabí, en donde viven 9.000 personas dignamente, con todos los servicios básicos, alimentación y salud.
Se anunció que en los cantones Chone, Pedernales y Portoviejo se construirán nuevos hospitales, mientras tanto se repotenciaron y rehabilitaron 117 centros de salud y 13 hospitales.
Photos of the surrounding community residents.
Tents provided by government of Ecuador
Tents donated by Chinese Government
Tents donated by United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR)
Ecuadorians are the warmest people I know, even in tragedy.
Canoa is a tourist economy. Many hotels have reopened and the Barquito is open on weekends. But to this day, tourists have said they are still fearful of more earthquakes and believe the town is still heavily damaged. The local government, GAD MUNICIPAL del Cantón San Vicente, with it's Mayor
Alcaldesa Gema Rossana Cevallos Torres, and Argentina's daughter, who is working with her, have embarked on major efforts to promote the region for it's gastronomy, beaches, recreational activities, and culture.
Repairs and photos...
This isn't a good recent photo, but it shows a portion of Argentina's room. They completed the electrical, plumbing, wall repairs, new bathroom, painting, and door installation. Vinyl floor is now installed. Additional repairs on other parts of the house continue.
Argentina's granddaughter and great grandson, had the opportunity to move into a damaged vacant house of a relative. The drop ceiling was repaired, new drywall, stucco, and electricity installed, a separate new room and bathroom were constructed, and the kitchen is underway.
Both projects employed local workers and they and the family are very appreciative of the work. I received receipts and all of the donated funds have been used to complete these projects. Thank you to everyone. And may god bless Ecuador with their recovery.
The ceiling ("tumbado") panels were brought by truck from Guayaquil and worked on locally before installation.
Deliveries of supplies and materials. Nice view of Bahia de Caraquez out her door.
The living room and kitchen under construction. New bedroom and bathroom off to the right.
Bedroom and bathroom.
More images of Canoa Beach below...
Argentina's Grandson, now grown up and a professional surfer.
Surfer's tent - after the earthquake.
WE LOVE YOU FAMILIA COELLO ZAMBRANO!
OUR PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU ALL-
BENDICIONES PARA TODOS UDS....
UPDATE: 7/23/16. Coastal Ecuador is continuing to feel strong aftershocks. On 7/10, a 5.3 was followed ten minutes later with a 6.3. The family states, "En Canoa, estamos bien - gracias a Dios..." (We're all OK in Canoa - thanks to God).
ON 4/16/16, COASTAL ECUADOR EXPERIENCED A 7.8 EARTHQUAKE.
ON 4/20/16, A 6.1 AFTERSHOCK WAS FOLLOWED BY A 6.2 AND A 6.0 TWO DAYS LATER.
ON 5/18/16, a 6.7 AND A 6.8 AFTERSHOCK STRUCK 8 HOURS APART.
Temporary or permanent housing for the "damnificados" (earthquake victims)?
The family asked me to say THANK YOU to all the donors who have provided funds. Your generosity is so very appreciated and the family is extremly grateful for your response to their plight.
(Escrito en espanol abajo del ingles)
My name is Jamie Perkins, from California. Thirty years ago, I met the Coello Zambrano Family of Bahia de Caraquez, Manabi, and fell in love with Ecuador. So much so, that I married one of the sons, Favio. Although he and I are no longer married, they remain my second family. I'm reaching out to friends, family, and the general public, to share their story.
Twenty years ago, with few resources, the family moved north to the small fishing and surf beach town of Canoa, Manabi, (pop. 5,000), to realize their dreams to have a hotel and restaurant/bar business, and promote ecotourism. The family's effort to build Hotel Pais Libre took a decade of extremely hard work. Operating Calippso Barquito and Club Punto Verde - a labor of love.
On 4/16/16, a 7.8 earthquake struck coastal Ecuador less than 30 miles from Canoa, devastating 6 provinces. Since then, the provinces of Manabi and Esmeraldas have suffered 56 earthquakes/aftershocks, majority greater than 4.8. The USGS states their have been 2,100 total aftershocks since 4/16.
A 6.1 earthquake struck on 4/20, followed by a 6.2 and a 6.0 on 4/22. On Wed. 5/18, a 6.7 and 6.8 quake hit eight hours apart. On Sun. 7/10, they again were hit by a 5.9 aftershock, followed ten minutes later with a 6.3.
Click on video to see actual footage of the 7.8 earthquake on 4/16/16.
Update 4/24/16: In less than 50 seconds, the hotel, homes, and business, were destroyed. Estimates are that 90% of Canoa's structures, and much of its infrastructure, is damaged beyond repair and is being demolished. There is no electricity, sanitation, or running water. Communication has been difficult, and internet is spotty. None of the family were hurt, and they are sleeping outside in tents.
The immediate family in Ecuador, include Dona Argentina ("Ita"), the 87-year old beloved matriarch, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
First photo of Argentina and family (and friends) a week after the earthquake. A huge relief to see they were OK.
Tent City in Canoa
Argentina's grandson seeing the house he shared with his father for the first time since the earthquake.
Update 4/29/16: The hotel, damaged beyond repair, has been demolished, and the mattresses given to families that had been sleeping on the ground. Some outside military aid, and volunteer medical help, has arrived and efforts to bring in residents from outlying areas on ATV's is ongoing. Generators, water desalinization, purification, and a new water well for the community, are priorities.
This is a picture of the hotel taken the same day as the 4/16 earthquake.
This is what it looked like the day after the quake.
This is the site of the demolished hotel as of 6/1.
The family is having to rebuild their lives, with no infrastructure to produce income to provide for these extra costs. We want to help them recover from this traumatic experience with funding to rebuild, build, or repair their houses and thier business, and obtain needed supplies. Usable materials are being reclaimed and more will be purchased. Across the region, there is a need for simple "green" residential building plans for homes and businesses, which incorporate reclaimed materials (wood), and seismic design.
Through this gofundme website, and updates to donors (and more photos), funds raised are being transferred to Argentina's daughter in Ecuador via Western Union.
Currently, Argentina and her daughter (and two grandchildren), are using a storage room deemed safe, by day, as a kitchen/dining area in her daughter's house,
and sleeping in tents at night. The entire house needs specific repairs before it can be reoccupied, as determined by the Municipality, but luckily, it does not need to be rebuilt.
Argentina's, Daughter, and Grandchildren's house.
Update: 5/16/16: I just returned from 3 days at the kitchen table with Patricia and children in Chicago, strategizing with the family in Ecuador to assist in their recovery. We communicated with them via cell, FaceTime, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, SnapChat, and old fashioned e-mail, to get up-to-date information.
A month after the 7.8 quake, short term supplies of potable water and food are in place. However, it remains unclear how long Aid organizations will be assisting Canoa, as roads undergo repairs and services resume slowly. Infrastructure repair is underway.
We learned there is a moratorium on any new construction for 4 months, while new building guidelines are being developed. This impacts the rebuild of Argentina's own home, in the town of Bahia de Caraquez, and those of her two sons, which were deemed uninhabitable by Municipal Inspectors. This requires them to find alternative temporary housing, for a longer period, as do thousands of earthquake victims, which is scarce. Thus, the tent cities and plastic tarp structures on the sides of the roads across six provinces.
After the 6.7 and 6.8 aftershocks, the fear of another earthquake is still very high, combined with the stressors of a destroyed community, unemployment, and uncertainty that life will get better.
Repairs are underway...They have been rebuilding the foundation, adding additional supports, and repairing many deep cracks throughout the house. They had to remove and rebuild a wall in Argentina's room, form a new concrete floor, and still need to install ceramic tile. They are building her a new bathroom as well. Whole house repairs will need to be completed before any rooms can be occupied. It's a slow and expensive process for them and they are taking it day to day. Homepage photo is of Argentina sitting in the doorway of the house.
Materials purchased include rebar, cement, tiles, wood, and tools. Funds are also being used to pay the laborers.
This is their storage room converted into dining room...
and kitchen.
The family is living in these donated tents while repairs are underway.
Other purchases include bamboo cane...
Argentina's son, Favio, working with reclaimed materials and cane.
Cane Wall
Argentina's daughter reopened Calippso Barquito bar and restaurant
Update 6/27/2016: WiFi is now restored in Canoa.
And the Mayor organized a week long series of town hall meetings of planners, business owners, tourism industries, community leaders, municipal employees, and citizens to work together to identify the priorities and challenges faced in redeveloping Canoa. They will tour the city together and dialogue to learn first hand of the community's concerns, requirements, questions and work together to develop proposals for rebuilding a new Canoa.
TÉCNICOS EN PLANIFICACIÓN TRABAJARÁN UNA SEMANA EN CANOA
La Ing. Rossana Cevallos ha socializado en varias reuniones con la población del balneario de Canoa, la propuesta de reconstrucción en base a zonificación, planificación y ordenamiento, apegado a las leyes y normas vigentes con el fin de garantizar la seguridad y la vida de las personas.
Por tal razón a partir de éste lunes 27 de junio un equipo de técnicos realizará un recorrido de reconocimiento del territorio, y desde el martes estarán instalados con el propósito de dialogar con la ciudadanía, atender sus requerimientos, absolver sus inquietudes, responder preguntas, disipar dudas y recoger sus planteamientos y sugerencias relacionadas a la nueva estructura urbana que tendrá la ciudad.
Agradecemos a todos los dirigentes barriales y comunitarios, representante de instituciones de la sociedad civil , servidores turísticos, comerciantes, y ciudadanía en general, por su asistencia a la socialización de regeneración urbana del CANOA que queremos .
Canoa and its beautiful coast, and great surfing.
Update 7/10/16: Last night, 7/ 10, coastal Ecuador was hit by a 5.9 aftershock, followed ten minutes later by a 6.3. Recent seismic activity had resumed in the last week, after a month of quiet, with four aftershocks of 4.3 or higher.
Repairs continue and with funds from this campaign, they've bought more materials; electrical, plumbing, brick, cement, and paint, and labor. I communicate with Argentina's daughter on FB to understand if there are delays or challenges, as a few have occured. The psychological toll this has taken on the family, and the community is tremendous. This picture of Argentina is from 7/9, the day before the last two aftershocks of 5.9 and 6.4.
They send their gratitude to the donors, as do I...
Dona Tina at the Bar/Restaurant - July 9, 2016
A touching video which captures the heart and soul of the people of Canoa.
Video: A Chinese Foundation, Tzu Chi, came to Canoa and employed local residents in a "Cash for Relief" program to clean up debris of damaged businesses to help stimulate the local economy. Workers earn $15.00 for 5 hours of labor.
The help and encouragement the Canoans have received during this earthquake recovery, including that of the donors to this campaign, have been instrumental in keeping them motivated to carry on...
Argentina is thankful to know these efforts will result in improved living conditions for the family.
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Mi nombre es Jamie Perkins y vivo en California. Conoci a la familia Coello Zambrano hace 30 anos, cuando estaba casada con uno del los hijos, Favio. Aunque ya no estamos casados, los Coello son mi segunda familia. Dona Argentina, sus hijos y nietos viven en Canoa, donde fue el terremoto de 7.8 el sábado 4/16, donde se derrumbaron sus casas y sus negocios: hotel, bar y club. Canoa se perdió en un 95% del estructuras e infraestructura. Toda la familia están viviendo en carpas, sin agua ni electricidad.
La ayuda del gobierno ha llegado, pero la comunicación es muy pobre para recibir detalles. Sabemos que están vivos, ninguno herido, y ya necesitarán reconstruir sus vidas, casitas y negocio sin fondos, mietras que todavia hay temblores/replicas.
Durante este tiempo que no pueden tener ingresos, queremos ayudarles con dinero para sus necesidades immediatas como agua potable, comida, incluyendo materiales para reconstruir sus casitas y negocio.
En unos dias sabremos exactamente cuanto necesitan y el sitio gofundme a mandar dinero automaticamente (con recibo de e-mail) a la hija de la familia que vive en U.S. y ella mandara a la familia por Western Union en Canoa.
Por favor ayuden con lo que se pueda, si no es dinero, pasar este informe a Facebook, redes sociales y email a los amigos, familiares y negocios que quieran ayudar a ayudar.
On behalf of the Coello Zambrano Family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jamie Perkins
P.S. If you are unable to donate (or are able), please share this with as many folks as possible on social media/email, especially Facebook, including any professional disaster aid/recovery networks you may have. I am sharing the FB account (I don't have my own) on this site with my neice Alejandra in Ecuador, in order to communicate with the family in spanish. I can be reached at [email redacted]. Mil Gracias!
Canoa images:
http://www.vivelohoy.com/mundo/8602062/imagenes-recientes-de-los-danos-causados-por-el-terremoto-en-ecuador
Check out Erik Wetz site. He's leading a volunteer effort to take down and rebuild Canoa.
https://www.gofundme.com/26nd3g98
http://earthquaketrack.com/ec-09-muisne/recent
Epicentro
Canoa, Manabi
Carreterra
Hotel grounds
Canoa Business
La Familia Coello Zambrano
Philpott Kids Ecuador Fundraiser - Ceasar Chavez Celebration, Dolores Park, San Francisco 4/24/16
Mil Gracias!!
Mills Kids Ecuador Fundraiser - Savoy, Ilinois
Argentina's granddaughter's friends in Guayaquil donated a truckload of clothing, toiletries, and food.
Argentina, her daughter, and granddaughter, distributing donated supplies to residents of Canoa.
Canoa Community
Waves for Water (http://www.wavesforwater.org/)
This organization (which operates on donations) provides clean water filters to disaster areas by training locals to teach community members the art of filtration. One filter can provide drinking water to 100 people for 5 years. Argentina's grandson linked up with Waves, and they provided education and filters to the community.
Water source
Community presentation ("charla") about clean water filtration led by Argentina's grandson.
Canoa = Bright Future
For the earthquake victims who lost their homes, the federal government hasn't come through with permanent housing solutions, as the citizens without economic resources all expected. People are still living in tents, and cooking outside - four months and counting with no end in sight. The family state the number one need is for permanent housing. For many, still living under inadequate tarps, they need better tents.
More than 70,000 families registered as earthquake victims. The President, Rafael Correa, touts their program of "incentives" - food coupons of $100 for 3 months, a stipend of $135/mo. for 6 months, if a family can become renters, and another for $150/mo. for 6 months for foster families. As of July, it appears 17,000 families who have housing, qualified for those.
The government website stated in July that more than 5,700 people are housed in official government tent cities, where they receive food, sanitation, health services, and security (also curfews and strict rules). International governmental and non-governmental aid organizations have installed 26 tent cities for 9,000 residents in the two affected coastal provinces.
Construction loans are only available to residents who qualify, which is difficult due to the poverty. At this time, only 1,200 new housing units are under review.
Additional funds are being used to rebuild three hospitals and repair 117 health centers and 13 hospitals. Twenty six schools have been reinstated. The president has stated that it will cost $300 million to construct the new housing, but the government borrowed $3 billion dollars, and only 1,200 are underway. The media has reported that some of the earthquake funds have been tracked as transfers to run the government and make payments on outstanding debts. Will anyone follow up on this? I might write the New York Times.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
El gobierno se informó que 70.000 familias constan ya en el Registro Único de Damnificados. De ellas, 17.000 están habilitadas para recibir bonos de acogida, alimentación y alquiler y que hasta el momento más de 10.000 bonos han sido cobrados.
Presidente de la República, Rafael Correa, en su conversatorio con periodistas en Manabí, informó que 300 millones de dólares, aproximadamente, costará la construcción de viviendas para los damnificados por el terremoto.
En el tema de construcción de viviendas 1.200 soluciones habitacionales en estos meses ya fueron edificadas en sitios seguros y cumpliendo con todas normas técnicas (pero solamente para la gente que tiene dinero u podia calificar para un prestamo del gobierno). También se enfatizó que la recuperación de la infraestructura educativa marcará un hito en la historia, pues en tres meses se entregaron 26 escuelas provisionales en Esmeraldas y Manabí.
Condiciones dignas para más de 5.000 damnificados en ManabíPortoviejo (Manabí).- 5.746 personas se encuentran en albergues del Ministerio de Inclusión, Económica y Social (MIES) en la provincia de Manabí. Aquí reciben una atención digna para afrontar esta crisis.
Entre las instituciones que reconocieron el trabajo del Estado destaca la opinión de la Agencia de la ONU para los Refugiados (Acnur) que resaltó la organización de 26 albergues oficiales instalados en Esmeraldas y Manabí, en donde viven 9.000 personas dignamente, con todos los servicios básicos, alimentación y salud.
Se anunció que en los cantones Chone, Pedernales y Portoviejo se construirán nuevos hospitales, mientras tanto se repotenciaron y rehabilitaron 117 centros de salud y 13 hospitales.
Photos of the surrounding community residents.
Tents provided by government of EcuadorTents donated by Chinese GovernmentTents donated by United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR)Ecuadorians are the warmest people I know, even in tragedy.Canoa is a tourist economy. Many hotels have reopened and the Barquito is open on weekends. But to this day, tourists have said they are still fearful of more earthquakes and believe the town is still heavily damaged. The local government, GAD MUNICIPAL del Cantón San Vicente, with it's Mayor
Alcaldesa Gema Rossana Cevallos Torres, and Argentina's daughter, who is working with her, have embarked on major efforts to promote the region for it's gastronomy, beaches, recreational activities, and culture.
Repairs and photos...This isn't a good recent photo, but it shows a portion of Argentina's room. They completed the electrical, plumbing, wall repairs, new bathroom, painting, and door installation. Vinyl floor is now installed. Additional repairs on other parts of the house continue.Argentina's granddaughter and great grandson, had the opportunity to move into a damaged vacant house of a relative. The drop ceiling was repaired, new drywall, stucco, and electricity installed, a separate new room and bathroom were constructed, and the kitchen is underway.
Both projects employed local workers and they and the family are very appreciative of the work. I received receipts and all of the donated funds have been used to complete these projects. Thank you to everyone. And may god bless Ecuador with their recovery.
The ceiling ("tumbado") panels were brought by truck from Guayaquil and worked on locally before installation.Deliveries of supplies and materials. Nice view of Bahia de Caraquez out her door.The living room and kitchen under construction. New bedroom and bathroom off to the right.Bedroom and bathroom.
More images of Canoa Beach below...
Argentina's Grandson, now grown up and a professional surfer.Surfer's tent - after the earthquake. WE LOVE YOU FAMILIA COELLO ZAMBRANO!
OUR PRAYERS AND BEST WISHES TO YOU ALL-
BENDICIONES PARA TODOS UDS....
UPDATE: 7/23/16. Coastal Ecuador is continuing to feel strong aftershocks. On 7/10, a 5.3 was followed ten minutes later with a 6.3. The family states, "En Canoa, estamos bien - gracias a Dios..." (We're all OK in Canoa - thanks to God).
ON 4/16/16, COASTAL ECUADOR EXPERIENCED A 7.8 EARTHQUAKE.
ON 4/20/16, A 6.1 AFTERSHOCK WAS FOLLOWED BY A 6.2 AND A 6.0 TWO DAYS LATER.
ON 5/18/16, a 6.7 AND A 6.8 AFTERSHOCK STRUCK 8 HOURS APART.
Temporary or permanent housing for the "damnificados" (earthquake victims)?
The family asked me to say THANK YOU to all the donors who have provided funds. Your generosity is so very appreciated and the family is extremly grateful for your response to their plight.
(Escrito en espanol abajo del ingles)
My name is Jamie Perkins, from California. Thirty years ago, I met the Coello Zambrano Family of Bahia de Caraquez, Manabi, and fell in love with Ecuador. So much so, that I married one of the sons, Favio. Although he and I are no longer married, they remain my second family. I'm reaching out to friends, family, and the general public, to share their story.
Twenty years ago, with few resources, the family moved north to the small fishing and surf beach town of Canoa, Manabi, (pop. 5,000), to realize their dreams to have a hotel and restaurant/bar business, and promote ecotourism. The family's effort to build Hotel Pais Libre took a decade of extremely hard work. Operating Calippso Barquito and Club Punto Verde - a labor of love.
On 4/16/16, a 7.8 earthquake struck coastal Ecuador less than 30 miles from Canoa, devastating 6 provinces. Since then, the provinces of Manabi and Esmeraldas have suffered 56 earthquakes/aftershocks, majority greater than 4.8. The USGS states their have been 2,100 total aftershocks since 4/16.
A 6.1 earthquake struck on 4/20, followed by a 6.2 and a 6.0 on 4/22. On Wed. 5/18, a 6.7 and 6.8 quake hit eight hours apart. On Sun. 7/10, they again were hit by a 5.9 aftershock, followed ten minutes later with a 6.3.
Click on video to see actual footage of the 7.8 earthquake on 4/16/16.
Update 4/24/16: In less than 50 seconds, the hotel, homes, and business, were destroyed. Estimates are that 90% of Canoa's structures, and much of its infrastructure, is damaged beyond repair and is being demolished. There is no electricity, sanitation, or running water. Communication has been difficult, and internet is spotty. None of the family were hurt, and they are sleeping outside in tents.
The immediate family in Ecuador, include Dona Argentina ("Ita"), the 87-year old beloved matriarch, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
First photo of Argentina and family (and friends) a week after the earthquake. A huge relief to see they were OK.Tent City in Canoa
Argentina's grandson seeing the house he shared with his father for the first time since the earthquake.Update 4/29/16: The hotel, damaged beyond repair, has been demolished, and the mattresses given to families that had been sleeping on the ground. Some outside military aid, and volunteer medical help, has arrived and efforts to bring in residents from outlying areas on ATV's is ongoing. Generators, water desalinization, purification, and a new water well for the community, are priorities.
This is a picture of the hotel taken the same day as the 4/16 earthquake.This is what it looked like the day after the quake.This is the site of the demolished hotel as of 6/1.The family is having to rebuild their lives, with no infrastructure to produce income to provide for these extra costs. We want to help them recover from this traumatic experience with funding to rebuild, build, or repair their houses and thier business, and obtain needed supplies. Usable materials are being reclaimed and more will be purchased. Across the region, there is a need for simple "green" residential building plans for homes and businesses, which incorporate reclaimed materials (wood), and seismic design.
Through this gofundme website, and updates to donors (and more photos), funds raised are being transferred to Argentina's daughter in Ecuador via Western Union.
Currently, Argentina and her daughter (and two grandchildren), are using a storage room deemed safe, by day, as a kitchen/dining area in her daughter's house,
and sleeping in tents at night. The entire house needs specific repairs before it can be reoccupied, as determined by the Municipality, but luckily, it does not need to be rebuilt.
Argentina's, Daughter, and Grandchildren's house.Update: 5/16/16: I just returned from 3 days at the kitchen table with Patricia and children in Chicago, strategizing with the family in Ecuador to assist in their recovery. We communicated with them via cell, FaceTime, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, SnapChat, and old fashioned e-mail, to get up-to-date information.
A month after the 7.8 quake, short term supplies of potable water and food are in place. However, it remains unclear how long Aid organizations will be assisting Canoa, as roads undergo repairs and services resume slowly. Infrastructure repair is underway.
We learned there is a moratorium on any new construction for 4 months, while new building guidelines are being developed. This impacts the rebuild of Argentina's own home, in the town of Bahia de Caraquez, and those of her two sons, which were deemed uninhabitable by Municipal Inspectors. This requires them to find alternative temporary housing, for a longer period, as do thousands of earthquake victims, which is scarce. Thus, the tent cities and plastic tarp structures on the sides of the roads across six provinces.
After the 6.7 and 6.8 aftershocks, the fear of another earthquake is still very high, combined with the stressors of a destroyed community, unemployment, and uncertainty that life will get better.
Repairs are underway...They have been rebuilding the foundation, adding additional supports, and repairing many deep cracks throughout the house. They had to remove and rebuild a wall in Argentina's room, form a new concrete floor, and still need to install ceramic tile. They are building her a new bathroom as well. Whole house repairs will need to be completed before any rooms can be occupied. It's a slow and expensive process for them and they are taking it day to day. Homepage photo is of Argentina sitting in the doorway of the house.
Materials purchased include rebar, cement, tiles, wood, and tools. Funds are also being used to pay the laborers.This is their storage room converted into dining room...and kitchen.The family is living in these donated tents while repairs are underway.Other purchases include bamboo cane...Argentina's son, Favio, working with reclaimed materials and cane.
Cane WallArgentina's daughter reopened Calippso Barquito bar and restaurantUpdate 6/27/2016: WiFi is now restored in Canoa.
And the Mayor organized a week long series of town hall meetings of planners, business owners, tourism industries, community leaders, municipal employees, and citizens to work together to identify the priorities and challenges faced in redeveloping Canoa. They will tour the city together and dialogue to learn first hand of the community's concerns, requirements, questions and work together to develop proposals for rebuilding a new Canoa.
TÉCNICOS EN PLANIFICACIÓN TRABAJARÁN UNA SEMANA EN CANOA
La Ing. Rossana Cevallos ha socializado en varias reuniones con la población del balneario de Canoa, la propuesta de reconstrucción en base a zonificación, planificación y ordenamiento, apegado a las leyes y normas vigentes con el fin de garantizar la seguridad y la vida de las personas.
Por tal razón a partir de éste lunes 27 de junio un equipo de técnicos realizará un recorrido de reconocimiento del territorio, y desde el martes estarán instalados con el propósito de dialogar con la ciudadanía, atender sus requerimientos, absolver sus inquietudes, responder preguntas, disipar dudas y recoger sus planteamientos y sugerencias relacionadas a la nueva estructura urbana que tendrá la ciudad.
Agradecemos a todos los dirigentes barriales y comunitarios, representante de instituciones de la sociedad civil , servidores turísticos, comerciantes, y ciudadanía en general, por su asistencia a la socialización de regeneración urbana del CANOA que queremos .
Canoa and its beautiful coast, and great surfing.Update 7/10/16: Last night, 7/ 10, coastal Ecuador was hit by a 5.9 aftershock, followed ten minutes later by a 6.3. Recent seismic activity had resumed in the last week, after a month of quiet, with four aftershocks of 4.3 or higher.
Repairs continue and with funds from this campaign, they've bought more materials; electrical, plumbing, brick, cement, and paint, and labor. I communicate with Argentina's daughter on FB to understand if there are delays or challenges, as a few have occured. The psychological toll this has taken on the family, and the community is tremendous. This picture of Argentina is from 7/9, the day before the last two aftershocks of 5.9 and 6.4.
They send their gratitude to the donors, as do I...
Dona Tina at the Bar/Restaurant - July 9, 2016A touching video which captures the heart and soul of the people of Canoa.
Video: A Chinese Foundation, Tzu Chi, came to Canoa and employed local residents in a "Cash for Relief" program to clean up debris of damaged businesses to help stimulate the local economy. Workers earn $15.00 for 5 hours of labor.
The help and encouragement the Canoans have received during this earthquake recovery, including that of the donors to this campaign, have been instrumental in keeping them motivated to carry on...
Argentina is thankful to know these efforts will result in improved living conditions for the family.
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Mi nombre es Jamie Perkins y vivo en California. Conoci a la familia Coello Zambrano hace 30 anos, cuando estaba casada con uno del los hijos, Favio. Aunque ya no estamos casados, los Coello son mi segunda familia. Dona Argentina, sus hijos y nietos viven en Canoa, donde fue el terremoto de 7.8 el sábado 4/16, donde se derrumbaron sus casas y sus negocios: hotel, bar y club. Canoa se perdió en un 95% del estructuras e infraestructura. Toda la familia están viviendo en carpas, sin agua ni electricidad.
La ayuda del gobierno ha llegado, pero la comunicación es muy pobre para recibir detalles. Sabemos que están vivos, ninguno herido, y ya necesitarán reconstruir sus vidas, casitas y negocio sin fondos, mietras que todavia hay temblores/replicas.
Durante este tiempo que no pueden tener ingresos, queremos ayudarles con dinero para sus necesidades immediatas como agua potable, comida, incluyendo materiales para reconstruir sus casitas y negocio.
En unos dias sabremos exactamente cuanto necesitan y el sitio gofundme a mandar dinero automaticamente (con recibo de e-mail) a la hija de la familia que vive en U.S. y ella mandara a la familia por Western Union en Canoa.
Por favor ayuden con lo que se pueda, si no es dinero, pasar este informe a Facebook, redes sociales y email a los amigos, familiares y negocios que quieran ayudar a ayudar.
On behalf of the Coello Zambrano Family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jamie Perkins
P.S. If you are unable to donate (or are able), please share this with as many folks as possible on social media/email, especially Facebook, including any professional disaster aid/recovery networks you may have. I am sharing the FB account (I don't have my own) on this site with my neice Alejandra in Ecuador, in order to communicate with the family in spanish. I can be reached at [email redacted]. Mil Gracias!
Canoa images:
http://www.vivelohoy.com/mundo/8602062/imagenes-recientes-de-los-danos-causados-por-el-terremoto-en-ecuador
Check out Erik Wetz site. He's leading a volunteer effort to take down and rebuild Canoa.
https://www.gofundme.com/26nd3g98
http://earthquaketrack.com/ec-09-muisne/recent
EpicentroCanoa, ManabiCarreterraHotel groundsCanoa BusinessLa Familia Coello ZambranoPhilpott Kids Ecuador Fundraiser - Ceasar Chavez Celebration, Dolores Park, San Francisco 4/24/16Mil Gracias!!Mills Kids Ecuador Fundraiser - Savoy, IlinoisArgentina's granddaughter's friends in Guayaquil donated a truckload of clothing, toiletries, and food.
Argentina, her daughter, and granddaughter, distributing donated supplies to residents of Canoa.Canoa CommunityWaves for Water (http://www.wavesforwater.org/)
This organization (which operates on donations) provides clean water filters to disaster areas by training locals to teach community members the art of filtration. One filter can provide drinking water to 100 people for 5 years. Argentina's grandson linked up with Waves, and they provided education and filters to the community.
Water sourceCommunity presentation ("charla") about clean water filtration led by Argentina's grandson.
Canoa = Bright FutureOrganizer
Alejandra Coello Villacis
Organizer
San Leandro, CA