On April 16, 2016, Ecuador experienced the largest earthquake in decades. Saturday night Ecuador was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that left hundreds dead, thousands injured, and billions of dollars in damage.

With the last major earthquake happening in 1958 equaling a magnitude of 7.6, the 7.8 came as a surprise that people of Ecuador haven’t seen in a while. Having first thought that the death tolls were to be low, that thought soon changed. Soon a new report hit CNBC on Monday, April 18, and it was reported that the death toll had reached 350 (and feared to go higher). Alongside the 350 reported dead were the over 2,000 injured and multiple homes/structures damaged. The earthquake left damaged roads, homes, and buildings; power along the Pacific coastline was also knocked out. With the new fatality rates, President Rafael Correa stated that he feared there would be more and also commented that “reconstruction will cost billions of dollars.” Ecuador’s economy is already struggling due to the plunging oil income, and the large amounts of destruction are not making the financial situation any easier. With their homes destroyed, survivors set up tents or slept on mattresses next to their ruins. Tents were set up at a local stadium where the injured were treated and water along with food was distributed. Along with many firefighters and other rescue teams working to find the missing, 4-year-old Labrador rescue dog named Dayko, belonging to the Ibarra fire department’s K9 unit, was helping as well. After successfully saving seven victims, Dayko passed away due to heatstroke. While mourning their four-legged friend, the department stated that Dayko “held high the name of the K9 unit.” The efforts of rescue teams and the thoughts of many are with Ecuador as they struggle through this disaster.