Former Ardingly College student describes devastation in Ecuador

A travel blogger from Mid Sussex is urging people to support relief work in earthquake-hit provinces of Ecuador.
A map showing the earthquake zone. Photo: USGSA map showing the earthquake zone. Photo: USGS
A map showing the earthquake zone. Photo: USGS

James Price, who has been travelling in South America since the beginning of January, described how the disaster had affected the country.

“The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck near Muisne (Northern Ecuador) last night has claimed the lives of over 246 and left 1,000s homeless.

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“Buildings were flattened, bridges collapsed and cities devasted in the worst earthquake to strike Ecuador for decades.

“The earthquake struck at around 7.30pm on Saturday 16th April 2016.

“Rescue efforts continued through the night, with Mexican and Venezuelan teams arriving early Sunday morning to deliver vital aid. But major landslides triggered in the earthquake are hampering rescue efforts.

“In Riobamba, almost 270km South East of the epicentre, buildings rocked for some 80 seconds but only minor damage was recorded.”

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He said anyone who wants to support the relief effort should visit UNICEF, Oxfam, Red Cross, or the local Cruz Roja - look up ‘Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana’ on Facebook.

James, a former Ardingly College student, made the news in October last year when he was a member of the first school team to complete the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge - a 3,000km solar powered race across Australia.

Follow his South American adventure at: https://roamingalpaca.org/

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