Concert raises $230,000 to help Ecuador earthquake victims

A concert in Miami, the U.S. state of Florida, has raised more than 230,000 U.S. dollars for Ecuador's earthquake victims, a UN spokesman said here Thursday.

Wednesday's show, "Ecuador Aqui Estoy" (Ecuador, I am here for you), featured more than 20 Latin music artists, including names like Carlos Vives, Chayanne and Franco De Vita.

More than 5,500 people attended the concert, which was supported by many outlets and included a fund-raising campaign through text messages, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing.

The money will be managed by the UN Development Programme to support impacted communities in Ecuador, Dujarric said.

The 7.8-magnitude quake struck Ecuador on the night of April 16. As of last week, 658 people were killed and 27,638 others injured, according to official figures.

A total of 1.9 million people have been affected, including an estimated 350,000 people in need of assistance.

Source: XINHUA