Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa extended Wednesday the state of emergency to all of Ecuador due to continued heavy rainfall. The initial state of emergency was established Jan. 31 along this South American country's coast.
"I declare the mobilization of the military, civil and economic(aid) throughout all Ecuador, in all the national security fronts, of all assets, services, industrial enterprises and places which should collaborate to overcome the emergency," said Correa.
Ecuador's Finance Ministry will use the necessary resources to face the "present catastrophe, except the resources corresponding to health and education," said Correa.
Correa ordered the advance of 15 percent of 2008's budget, so that the regional governments can attend their localities' needs stemming from the severe winter which has killed three people.
The measure brings about the deployment of the Armed Forces and the National Police who will join efforts to overcome the emergency.
The intense rainfall has caused floods, landslides and destruction of highway networks, mainly in western Ecuador.
Correa also authorized the head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces to determine all the necessary mobilizations and Finance Minister Fausto Ortiz to spend the necessary amount of money on battling the situation.
Correa announced the additional transference of 25 million U.S. dollars to the coastal region. He also transferred some additional88 million dollars to the municipalities of Ecuador to combat the emergency.
Source: Xinhua
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