Ecuador was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 570 people and injuries to more than 7,000 people. It has been reported that 25,000 people remain in shelters.
JCB is supplying the digger to the Provincial Council of Manabi through its Ecuadorian dealer Automekano. The machine will be put to work shortly in the province’s Pedernales Canton, where more than 90% of homes have been destroyed by the earthquake.
Automekano managing director Santiago Vasconez said: “Padernales was very close to the epicentre. Many people are feared to have lost their lives and many thousands have been left homeless by the destruction. There is a desperate need for equipment to help relief efforts.”
JCB chairman Lord Bamford said: “This was a very powerful earthquake with catastrophic consequences. I hope our donation can play a small part in the clear up and rebuilding work that needs to be done in Manabi to help those people whose lives have been turned upside down.”
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