Edmonton woman in earthquake ravaged Ecuador trying to help friends

Dozens had gathered at Vanessa Lavigne's yoga studio in Ayampe, Ecuador, when Saturday's deadly earthquake hit.

"The whole studio just started shaking and everybody ran for the entrance way," said the Edmonton mother of two toddlers, who with her husband runs Otra Ola, a surf, Spanish and yoga school.

Fearing a tsunami would come next, people scrambled. Without power, they rushed to their vehicles in the darkness, with only the moon to light their way.

'They're  just telling people to be quiet so they can hear screaming and sounds from the people under the rubble.'  -Vanessa Lavigne

"People are walking through the streets carrying mattresses, carrying everything they own, trying to get to high land."

Far enough south of the epicentre, Lavigne's family and community escaped the devastation. They began to make frantic calls to friends in their former home of Canoa, further north, where buildings had toppled over and rubble clogged the streets.

Their friends are all accounted for, but many have lost everything.

"I think that's what's really hitting home," said Lavigne, her voice breaking with emotion. "It's just knowing there's all these children, and families that just have nothing. And hearing stories of — they're  just telling people to be quiet so they can hear screaming and sounds from the people under the rubble."

Lavigne, who has lived in Ecuador since 2008, has packed garbage bags of baby supplies destined for hard hit areas.

Goods collected by fellow community members were being take further north on Tuesday to Canoa and Portoviego, where Lavigne said help has yet to reach some survivors.

'There is death everywhere'

"We are being told the psychological toll is already weighing on volunteers as the number of bodies is adding up," said Lavigne. "There is death everywhere." 

She said victims desperately need drinking water, blankets, mattresses, sheets, cooking utensils, matches, lighters and food, such as rice and canned goods. With dengue fever and Zika virus in the area, insect repellent is also needed, she said.

She hopes Canadians will send their prayers and love, and whatever else they can manage.

"We're so blessed in Canada and Alberta," said Lavigne. "If they do have a spare dollar, anything they can give. These people have nothing. Anything that you can spare — it makes such a difference down here."

The Lavignes also have their own belongings and documents packed and ready to go. Just in case.

@andreahuncar [email protected]