A 7.8-magnitude quake rocked Ecuador’s northern coast late on April 16, killing hundreds and injuring thousands more. More than 400 individuals are confirmed dead and the toll continues to rise. This was the deadliest earthquake to strike the South American country since 1987.

The desperate scramble to rescue survivors trapped in the rubble continues now two days after the first shaking.

“The earthquake in Ecuador has caused incredible death, injury, destruction, and loss. We’re responding as quickly as possible to help with emergency needs such as water, shelter, and medical care..."

In a series of three upcoming flights starting on Wednesday, Samaritan’s Purse is sending a emergency field hospital along with medical staff to treat the suffering in Ecuador. Samaritan’s Purse will be using a recently refurbished DC-8 cargo plane for transportation. The workhorse vehicle can carry 40 tons of emergency supplies and dozens of personnel to bring relief to traumatized survivors.