Portoviejo Ecuador: Residents in areas outside of ground zero vulnerable to criminal activity after quake

(PORTOVIEJO, ECUADOR) According to an anonymous source in Portoviejo, Ecuador there is now electricity and water in sectors of the city after the city was pounded by a massive earthquake last Saturday. While there is military and police presence, occupants are fearful that neighborhoods away from the city center are extremely vulnerable to criminal activity. Most of the police and military assets are concentrated at ground zero leaving other areas susceptible to criminal acts.

One resident reported that in the middle and upper-class residential neighborhood of Ciudadela El Maestro, there is no current police or military operations. The residents are in fear that the criminal element is taking advantage of this lack of law enforcement. There have been reported attempted home invasions and robberies with weapons and that it will increase without enforcement personnel ensuring the protection of the community.

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