Ecuador quake death toll mounts to 530 with hundreds missing

The death toll from last Saturday’s devastating earthquake in Ecuador has risen to 530 according to authorities. Over 1700 people are missing according to officials.

Thousands of people have  been made homeless and are vulnerable to drinking untreated water. According to Unicef over 150 000 children have  been affected by the disaster and rescue efforts are hampered by towns without electricity. The Spanish Red Cross estimated that 100,000 people would need immediate assistance.