The official toll of the earthquake is now 659 dead and more than 4,600 injured. The parish of Tarqui, which has been called "zero point" since the earthquake, looks like a ghost town. In the midst of so much pain Fr Francisco Sanchez, SDB, comes out to patrol the streets and visit the few families who remain in their homes. "We are in the community to help people, to make them feel that we are close to them."

While walking between the houses and buildings in ruins, Fr Sánchez stops to talk to a family gathered around a statue of Mary Help of Christians.  Alfredo León is standing outside his home and he says with great conviction: "We brought this image from Cuenca and she is protecting us right now."

In the communities of Tarqui there is a curfew at night and only soldiers and police are on the streets. Despite these safety measures, the families remain in their homes to protect their assets but they sleep on the streets because there is still the fear of a new earthquake.

At the end of his night tour Fr Sánchez visits the area of ​​Los Tanques and greets families that remain in this makeshift camp. "There are many children here and we organize educational activities and games." There are about 142 families who lost their homes and are waiting for help to rebuild them.

 "We cannot solve everything, but we can help in something" say the Salesians in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian brothers are waiting for your help.

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