A 1,600-pound water purification system, purchased by OBI and Water Missions International is put together by DHL volunteers. Each system can provide up to 10,000 gallons of clean drinking water daily.

BABA, Ecuador – Thousands of people staying at a local hospital now have access to clean drinking water thanks to a partnership among Operation Blessing, Water Missions International (WMI) and global shipping company, DHL.

"There were about 1,700 cases related to contaminated water," said Dr. Elida, director of the hospital in Baba. "This clean water will save the people in the community."

Torrential rains that began in early February have claimed at least 10 lives and triggered severe flooding leaving thousands homeless and many provinces still several feet underwater. Civil officials say the rains are the worst Ecuador has seen in a quarter century.

According to published reports, thousands of acres of crops have been destroyed that are valued around $6.5 million. Rising water and down power lines have forced people to flee their homes. In addition, snakes are invading towns as the water offers a path to new areas.

"No one in my home is working because the crops are destroyed, and it costs my family to purchase drinking water every week," said Abigail, a flood victim.

OBI and WMI purchased two portable water purification systems that will provide a combined 20,000 gallons of clean drinking water a day for flood victims.

Both units arrived in-country this week and one unit is already up-and-running.

OBI and WMI purchased two portable water purification systems that will provide a combined 20,000 gallons of clean drinking water a day for flood victims.

"Lives will be saved and the people will have the strength to earn more for their families," said Dr. Elida, after taking the first drink of water purified by the new system. "The hospital will also have good water for the patients."

A second system will be installed within the next few days. DHL delivered the 3,500-pound shipment free of charge, and is providing local employee volunteers to oversee the delivery of the systems to their final destination.

"DHL is proud to play a meaningful role in this international relief effort, employing both logistics expertise and local volunteers to help deliver clean drinking water to the thousands of Ecuadorian people affected by the floods," said DHL's director of humanitarian affairs, Chris Weeks, in a prepared statement.

This is the third time OBI has partnered with DHL and WMI to aid in a humanitarian crisis. Last November, teams purchased and delivered four systems in response to the flood-ravaged Mexican Gulf and another four systems again for victims of a devastating cyclone in Bangladesh.

"It has been our experience, having worked in 96 countries around the world, that floods devastate the drinking water supply very quickly and accelerate the spread of diseases like cholera, malaria and dengue fever," said OBI President Bill Horan. "That is why, when disaster strikes, providing water purification systems to the impacted area immediately is OBI's top priority."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of Operation Blessing's disaster relief efforts by making an on-line donation today. Your support will continue to help provide relief for those affected by these floods and other disasters.

 

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