LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION expressing sincere, heartfelt condolences to the
people of Ecuador in the wake of the devastating earthquake which struck
the country on April 16, 2016

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the epic devastation that has
been caused by the natural disaster that hit Ecuador, and the far-reach-
ing loss of life and damage that has been sustained by the victims of
this tragedy; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, April 16, 2016, the deadliest earthquake to hit
the nation since March of 1987, leveled a long swath of its coastline
and dealt a major blow to the oil-producing nation's already fragile
economy; the cities of Manta, Portoviejo and Pedernales, tourist desti-
nations, saw the most devastation, however, damage was widespread
throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, Currently, all six coastal provinces, Guayas, Manabi, Santo
Domingo, Los Rios, Esmeraldas and Galapagos, are in states of emergen-
cies; and
WHEREAS, This horrific magnitude-7.8 earthquake left 654 people dead,
16,600 injured, and 58 people still missing; in addition, the quake
destroyed 7,000 buildings, triggered mudslides and tore up roads; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 25,000 people are sleeping in shelters, their
homes and livelihoods crushed; meanwhile, survivors in isolated communi-
ties struggle without water, power or transport; and
WHEREAS, The United Nations Children's Fund reported Tuesday, April
19, that the earthquake damaged 119 schools, affecting at least 150,000
children; and
WHEREAS, Concerned family members, government officials and Ecuadorian
citizens quickly raced to the scene to search for survivors and help in
any way possible; and
WHEREAS, A United States government agency will send two teams to
Ecuador, and the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) will deploy one team to assist the government by studying the
country's damage and needs; the second team will work with the United
Nations to help organize international rescue activities; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, thousands of soldiers and police have been deployed
throughout Ecuador to provide temporary shelters and food; aid workers
from many nations, including Spain, Peru, Cuba, Bolivia and Venezuela,
have also arrived to help; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, a few days later, a second magnitude-6.2
earthquake shook Ecuador's already devastated Pacific coast before dawn
on Wednesday, April 20, terrifying residents and hindering rescuers
searching for survivors of the initial and larger quake; and
WHEREAS, The latest big tremor, which followed several hundred after-
shocks from Saturday's magnitude-7.8 quake, hit 25 km (15 miles) off the
island of Muisne on the northwest coast; and
WHEREAS, This natural disaster will go down in history as one of the
worst the country has ever experienced; without warning, much of the
country was reduced to rubble, destroying the lives and livelihoods of
thousands; and
WHEREAS, On behalf of the people of the State of New York, the members
of this Legislative Body offer their deepest condolences to the families
and loved ones of those who were killed or injured, and pledge their
heartfelt support through this time of grief, sorrow, and rebuilding;
and
WHEREAS, The community of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
the culture, traditions, and contributions of the many Ecuadorian Ameri-
cans now living in New York, many of whom are immediately making their

way there to search for family members and aid in rescue and relief
efforts; and
WHEREAS, At this time of devastation and turmoil, New Yorkers, along
with people across the United States and around the world, share their
grief and their concern for the safety and welfare of the victims and
their future; and
WHEREAS, Now, as New Yorkers, Americans and the family of Nations
continue to help the people of Ecuador in their struggle back from chaos
to order and the rebuilding of their lives, it is appropriate to pause
to reflect on this catastrophe, to profoundly mourn the tragic loss of
life and livelihood, and to applaud all those who have offered, and who
will continue to provide, the aid and support which will be needed, not
only immediately but for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
express sincere, heartfelt condolences to the people of Ecuador in the
wake of the devastating earthquake, and to honor the memories of all
those who lost their lives, remember the survivors, and praise all those
who came to their assistance; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Linda Machuca, Consulate General of Ecuador in
New York.