An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 on the Richter scale registered last Saturday left damages and losses of more than 10 million dollars to the shrimp sector, the National Chamber of Aquaculture (CNA) reported on Monday, March 20.

The union explained that the earthquake caused a partial collapse of the walls of shrimp farms located in the province of El Oro, in the sectors of Bravito, Estero Huaylá and Puerto Bolívar.

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“The damage exceeds 10 million dollars in losses, because the walls have to be completely rebuilt, which implies the emptying of the ponds where the shrimp are grown in order to carry out the intervention,” explained the Chamber, reporting that they are in constant contact with the victims. coordinate logistical support with competent authorities and protect the safety of the crayfish community.

Added to this are the effects on water and electricity services and problems on second and third class roads in some areas of the province; which further complicates the position of those affected.

In addition, the union confirmed that there are no regrettable casualties directly linked to the shrimp sector so far; however, national authorities reported 13 deaths and more than 400 injuries.

On the other hand, in the province of Guayas, the cracks in the shrimp fishing infrastructure in the Chongón sector continue to be assessed, with the aim of determining the extent of the damage and quantifying it; that is, that the amount of damage in the shrimp sector could increase in the next few hours.

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The Chamber recalled that in the earthquake registered on April 16, 2016, production losses exceeded 150 million dollars for all non-oil export products, and one of the most affected sectors was the shrimp farm located in the Manabí and Emeralds areas. According to the union, reactivation in these areas cost more than 40 million dollars and took several years. The affected areas represented between 8 and 10% of the country’s shrimp export volume.