Latter-day Saint Volunteers Rally to Clean up Flooding in Ecuador

On June 4, 2023, flooding rains attributed to El Niño caused six rivers to overflow their banks and flood many populated areas across Ecuador. The Ecuadorian Secretariat for Risk Management reports the storm impacted more than 14,000 people.

Large-scale flooding damaged homes and properties in four sections of the province of Esmeraldas. As the flooding ended, nearly 100 members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rallied to help those impacted. One group of volunteers traveled three hours to give service. In all, more than 100 homes received help.

Volunteers wore yellow “Helping Hands” vests and gloves before shoveling out mud and debris from streets and homes. Those who were directly affected by the flooding worked alongside them.

One volunteer who worked to the point of exhaustion said his fatigue could not overpower the joy he felt from helping the people of Esmeraldas Province. He also expressed admiration for the locals’ resilience and hope in the face of such destruction. Many volunteers worked full days for one week.

Much-needed supplies were also donated by the Church to the affected families. Church meetinghouses served as collection centers for donations. Volunteers from the Relief Society, the Church’s women’s organization, received, sorted and assembled kits containing groceries, food, clothing and shoes.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe in helping individuals and families fulfill the commandments to love God and to love their neighbor. This includes living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need and inviting everyone to receive a knowledge of God and His Son Jesus Christ.