Many families in Connecticut are still trying to reach loved ones in Ecuador after an earthquake devastated areas along the central coast.
It’s been difficult if not impossible to find out how they’re doing because of the damage done by the earthquake.
ABC Pizza in the Collinsville section of Canton always displays a few tributes to the owners’ home country. But on Sunday it was the images broadcast on an Ecuadorian TV channel that made it hard for the staff here to work.
“Oh yeah, because our mind is always there,” says Wagner Hurtado, owner of ABC Pizza.
Wagner Hurtado runs the shop with his wife and brother-in-law. They left Ecuador more than twenty years ago. It remains close to their hearts, especially following the devastating earthquake.
“Everybody was scared because we have whole family over there, friends. We don’t know really what happened,” says Hurtado.
Hundreds of people are dead, thousands hurt, and then there is significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
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Paul Martel, president and founder of a non-profit called FIBUSPAM, is already looking for ways his organization can assist.
“We can help and we’d like to do that,” says Paul Martel.
FIBUSPAM already had up to 50 medical professionals in Ecuador as part of its regular humanitarian mission. Now they’re ready to help quake victims.
“Down there in this situation, you don’t have anything – nothing; literally nothing,” says Martel.
Back at ABC Pizza, Hurtado planned to close the restaurant early on Sunday. His hope was then to connect with his loved ones in Ecuador.
“It’s hard when you are far away and you can do nothing,” says Hurtado.
Several groups in the state are looking to fundraise to help quake victims.
People can click here to donate to FIBUSPAM.
The Ecuadorian Civic Center of Greater Danbury met on Sunday to also look at ways to help victims.
Also the Ecuadorian Consulate in Connecticut has planned a meeting for Monday at 6 p.m. to talk about the emergency situation and figure out ways to help.
