Ecuador, Myanmar, Japan, Tonga, Vanuatu, Guatemala, and the Philippines: What does this seemingly random group of countries have in common?
All of these countries experienced earthquakes in the past week.
Yes, that’s right. In the span of just one week, earthquakes were felt (not just measured, but truly felt) by citizens in countries spread across the globe. Though the two earthquakes that struck Ecuador have unfortunately caused the greatest devastation and loss of life, and is therefore plastered across news media outlets, Japan is dealing with the aftermath of not one, but three distinct tremors too. And although Myanmar, Tonga, Vanuatu, Guatemala, and the Philippines may not be organizing massive search and rescue missions and requesting international humanitarian support, their citizens remain shaken all the same.
The series of recent earthquakes, ranging from a magnitude of 6.0 to 7.8, that made their way around the Pacific Ring of Fire (though unrelated) this April have sent a spark of anxiety, curiosity, fear, and anticipation around the world. With over 500 lives confirmed to have been taken by the recent earthquakes, hundreds missing, and thousands injured, the unknown reality of where the next one will strike has many nations on edge.
As families begin to rebuild their lives and communities try to recover from immense structural damage, the GoAbroad Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign for survivors of this April’s earthquakes. Through our connections with local organizations in many countries affected, we have committed ourselves to sending financial support to survivors.
