The situation has come to a point where local and national resources are insufficient to cope with the effects produced by this phenomenon. The most affected areas in the Province of Loja are the counties of Celica, Macara, Puyango, Pindal, Sozoranga and Zapotillo. In the province of El Oro the situation is critical in the counties of Arenillas, Las Lajas and Huaquillas. Chronic malnourishment and poverty levels in the affected area are below national average. The affected population has lost its source of income and approximately 8,000 persons have migrated to other areas during the last semester.
Meteorological conditions remain critical.
Migration is expected to continue at a faster pace, and malnourishment, specially in the case of women and children, will be probably accentuated. Priority needs 5. National response 6. Following the Presidential Declaration of State of Emergency for the Province of Loja, the Government as issued an appeal for international assistance to meet the most immediate needs. This is being used to provide health services and medicines in Zapotillo and Cariamanaga counties.