In early June of last year, heavy rains in Ecuador’s Esmeraldas Province
caused six major rivers to overflow, flooding cities and towns.
The resulting destruction left buildings and roads submerged,
landslides occurred, and power outages affected nearly 20,000 people.

Amid this national disaster, the Ecuadorian Embassy in the Republic of Korea
(hereinafter referred to as Korea) reached out to the Intl. WeLoveU
Foundation (hereinafter referred to as WeLoveU) for assistance.
On August 24, an official donation ceremony was held at the Bundang Holy
Prince to support flood victims in Esmeraldas Province. The event was
attended by Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, WeLoveU board members,
H.E. Carlos Eduardo Emmanuel, Ecuadorian Ambassador to Korea,
and other embassy officials.

During the event, Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah said,
“In times of difficulty, countries should help each other. If Korea is in trouble,
Ecuador will help us.” She then pledged to donate 53 million KRW (40,000 USD)
to Ecuadorian Ambassador to assist the flood victims. The ambassador
expressed his gratitude, saying, “WeLoveU’s heartfelt support and donation
will significantly aid the flood victims in returning to their daily lives.”

Following discussions between WeLoveU Chapter in Ecuador and
the Ecuadorian Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR), it was decided that
water tanks would be provided to the cities of Esmeraldas, Muisne, Quininde,
and Atacames, which suffered the most severe damage in Esmeraldas province.
This was because the flooding had destroyed the water supply infrastructure,
and there was an urgent need for tanks to store drinking water.

On October 12, the members visited the site with the Vice Minister
of Ecuadorian Secretariat for Risk Management and local officials
to hear about the hardships of flood victims.

Lucia Perea, Representative of Guadurnal

“Our area frequently faces danger when the river swells, causing many parts of the village to flood. We are particularly concerned about water contamination. Our wells are polluted, and we are in urgent need of clean, safe drinking water.”

Lucia Perea, Representative of Guadurnal

After assessing the extent of damage in each area, WeLoveU provided 190
water tanks (1,100 liters) to four cities, which can be used by 9,500 residents.

Esmeraldas
76Tanks
Muisne
51Tanks
Quininde
39Tanks
Atacames
24Tanks

Provide Timely Aid to Flood Victims

The water tanks were distributed to the four cities through the Ecuadorian
Secretariat for Risk Management. The donation ceremonies were held
at various locations: at Malecón Las Palmas Square in Esmeraldas City
and Muisne City Hall on January 31, and later at Patronato
(Social Welfare Institution) in Quinindé and Atacames on April 10.

The events were attended by WeLoveU members,
National Assembly members of Ecuador, the Governor of Esmeraldas,
mayors from the four cities, officials from Ecuadorian Secretariat for Risk
Management and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the flood victims.

Government officials and organization leaders expressed their gratitude
and praise to WeLoveU for their generous support during challenging times.

Jorge Raúl Carrillo Tutivén, Secretary of the SNGR

“On behalf of Ecuador, I extend our heartfelt thanks. Thanks to the mutual cooperation between Korea and Ecuador, as well as the support of WeLoveU’s Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, we’ve received 190 water tanks. These will save many lives of the citizens of Ecuador, especially in the face of challenges caused by the El Niño phenomenon. Thank you again. We love you!”

Jorge Raúl Carrillo Tutivén, Secretary of the SNGR

Paola Cabezas, National Assembly Member

“This is not the first time that WeLoveU has helped. When I was governor of Esmeraldas, they provided tents and emergency food supplies to the earthquake victims, which was a great help. Esmeraldas is a beautiful place, but it’s constantly threatened by natural disasters due to climate change. Thanks to this donation of water tanks, our residents now have access to clean and safe water. We cannot thank WeLoveU enough.”

Paola Cabezas, National Assembly Member

Javier Buitron, Governor of Esmeraldas Province

“We know that you’re making a sincere and compassionate effort to help people in need around the world. Korea, the brother’s country, is giving faith and hope to the hungry and impoverished people around the world. You bring joy to our struggling neighbors. You are their hope.”

Javier Buitron, Governor of Esmeraldas Province

Cristina Fuentes, Director of Non-Governmental Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“WeLoveU, thank you for all your donation. This is really valuable for many families in Ecuador affected by the disaster. It is because neighbors in need have a new hope. We sincerely thank you.”

Cristina Fuentes, Director of Non-Governmental Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“This donation is crucial for residents of Esmeraldas Province, who were severely affected by the torrential rains, and it will bring a very positive impact on our communities. Through this, people can restore their daily lives before the disaster, and it can minimize damage even in the case of a reoccurrence of floods caused by El Niño. Such cooperation is very positive for both the nation and our disaster management service. Thank you!”
Julio Celorio, Subsecretary of the SNGR

“In a situation where the aftermath of the disaster still remains, all the residents are very pleased with what WeLoveU has done, and they are grateful for the donation. Dear Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, I sincerely give thanks to you for your world-class aid to Ecuador.”
Jimmy Marcillo, Zonal Coordinator 1 of the SNGR

“On behalf of the citizens, I sincerely thank you for donating water tanks for the flood-affected communities.”
Yuri Colorado, Mayor of Muisne

“Thank you for providing this precious support to this rural area.”
Laura Yagual, City Councilor of Esmeraldas

“Thank you for your valuable donation, which greatly contributes to the improvement of the sanitation environment of the residents. When Ecuador is in urgent need of help due to flood damage, how can another country provide assistance? We sincerely welcome you and receive you with love. Thank you very much.”
Yoli Marquez, Vice Mayor of Esmeraldas

“I am interested in humanitarian service and emergency relief. Through WeLoveU supporting people in greatest need, I’ve come to understand the meaning of a mother’s love and the compassion of your chairwoman.”
Ana Mercedes Arevalo, Staff of the SNGR

“On behalf of our citizens, I sincerely extend my gratitude to WeLoveU. Your generous donation has greatly helped the citizens of 12 localities in Quininde. The doors of Quininde are always open to you. I hope our relationship will continue to grow even stronger.”
Ronal Moreno, Mayor of Quininde

“The water tank will greatly benefit our citizens. Many have expressed their gratitude for your efforts. The world needs more people like you, dedicated to helping those in need. We warmly welcome WeLoveU and express our heartfelt gratitude.”
Wiliams Mendoza, Mayor of Atacames

After the donation ceremony,
the neighbors carried the water tanks to each area with smiles.
Everyone expressed their thanks and offered blessings to WeLoveU.

“Thank you for your assistance to Muisne. On behalf of the residents
of San Gregorio and other areas, I extend our heartfelt gratitude.
Our region consists of 54 villages, and has constantly faced challenges
due to frequent floods. Just last month, we experienced another flood.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks,
and I wish you all the best and many blessings for your future.”

Nacica Chingre, Vice Representative of Residents of San Gregorio

“Hello to the members of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.
On behalf of the people of Bilsa and the neighboring areas,
I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your valuable donation.
May God always bless you.
You have really helped the flood victims in Esmeraldas. Thank you!”

Pedro Chasing, Resident Representative of Bilsa

On May 2, the Director of SNGR sent a letter of appreciation to Honorary
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, acknowledging that her humanitarian aid
had significantly improved the quality of life for flood victims.

A month later, on June 3, large water vehicles delivered water
around the flood-damaged areas and filled the donated tanks with water.
The faces of the residents were full of smiles.

WeLoveU will remain committed to its mission of supporting neighbors
in distress due to unforeseen disasters, helping them return
to safe and healthy daily lives through various forms of aid.