• A massive oil spill in Ecuador in March has left at least 150,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to an assessment by UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC).

• The disaster was caused by the rupture of the SOTE pipeline in Esmeraldas province, resulting in the spilling of over 25,000 barrels of oil.

• The pipeline is part of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE) which transports crude oil from the Amazon.

• In addition to the thousands affected, the team also pointed to a concerning increase in respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, as well as limited access to safe drinking water.

• People’s livelihoods have been particularly hit hard, especially in fishing, agriculture and shellfish harvesting. 

• More than 37,000 women have lost their means of earning a living. Many are shellfish gatherers and now face growing health risks and exposure to gender-based violence.

• The fishing and tourism sectors are facing significant economic losses, with boats and nets contaminated by crude oil and widespread cancellations of tourist activities. 

• The crisis is further exacerbated by the presence of organised crime in Esmeraldas, which has hindered the distribution of aid and generated threats to officials.

United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC)

• The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system is a part of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). 

• UNDAC was created in 1993.

• It serves as the international response system for sudden-onset emergencies, such as an earthquake or a flood, and is designed to help the United Nations and governments of disaster affected countries during the first phase of an emergency.

• An UNDAC team can be deployed at very short notice (24-48 hours) anywhere in the world. 

• UNDAC teams comprise experienced emergency managers that are made available for UNDAC missions by their respective governments or organisations.

• They are trained in various skills, such as coordination, needs assessments and information management. The teams also advise and strengthen national and regional disaster response capacity.

• Over the past three decades, UNDAC has evolved and adapted to the changing requirements of the international humanitarian response system. 

• Today, UNDAC teams are not only deployed in sudden-onset disasters, but also provide valuable support in protracted crises, technological and other types of emergencies, and are playing an increasing role as a tool and service of the UN in supporting Governments in disaster response preparedness activities.

• When required, an UNDAC team establishes and runs an On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) and a Reception and Departure Centre (RDC), which provide a platform for cooperation, coordination and information management for international humanitarian response agencies and national responders. 

• The UNDAC teams have carried out over 300 missions in 115 affected countries.

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