Palestine sends 19 rescuers to Ecuador, US sends nobody

April 22, 2016
Issue 
Rescue efforts continue in Pedernales, after an earthquake struck off Ecuador's Pacific coast, April 18.

Palestine has sent 19 rescuers to Ecuador in the aftermath of the South American country's devastating earthquake — which is 19 more than the US, who have sent none at all, TeleSUR English said on April 21.

Palestine is the only country outside of Europe and Latin America that has sent rescue experts to Ecuador. Latin America far surpasses any region in sending humanitarian aid and rescue experts to Ecuador for earthquake relief, with Venezuela sending almost a third of all rescue specialists.

Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa said on April 19 that South America should have its own Secretary of Natural Disasters, since no one country has enough resources to mobilise in such large-scale emergencies.

Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in the continent, with a population barely above 16 million. It could only send 18 trained rescuers to affected areas, compared to Venezuela's 212.

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