Park conveys sympathy to Ecuadorians

The Korean government offered its condolences to Ecuador after its recent devastating earthquake, pledging $700,000 in humanitarian assistance to the country on Wednesday.

President Park Geun-hye conveyed a message of condolence to Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa for the lives lost and property damaged.

She added, “We pray for a speedy response to the disaster to enable to people of Ecuador to recover from their hardships and sorrows as soon as possible,” according to the Blue House.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck on Saturday and is being described as the nation’s worst tragedy in 60 years, left more than 480 people dead and more than 4,000 injured.

The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it will provide $700,000 to Ecuador in response to the large casualties from the earthquake, estimating that some 40,000 people will be in need of emergency humanitarian assistance.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]