The Humanist Disaster Recovery Drive is raising funds to help victims of the recent Ecuador earthquake. On Saturday, April 16th, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit about 17 miles (27km) from Muisne, Ecuador at a relatively shallow depth of 11.9 miles (19.2km). Shallow earthquakes create more damage because of their proximity to the earth’s surface. On Sunday evening, the government reported that 246 people had died and 2,527 were injured.

With estimates of at least $100 million dollars in damage, a state of emergency has been declared and the casualties and damage reports are expected to rise as the rescue effort is ongoing. Disaster relief organizations such as Team Rubicon, UNICEF, and International Medical Corps are watching the situation and are expected to mobilize soon, and the Ecuador Red Cross has already mobilized in the affected region.

100% of the donations raised during this drive will be going to a secular organization working on the ground in response and recovery of this devastated region. HDR Drive is a cooperative program between Foundation Beyond Belief and American Humanist Association (note: I’m on the FBB board of directors). You can help with donations of money, or by spreading the word about the fundraising drive. We can be good without God — let’s show it.