WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after a major earthquake struck Ecuador on Saturday:

“It is with a heavy heart that I join the international community in expressing my condolences to the families of the more than 350 victims who lost their lives as a result of the earthquake that struck Ecuador,” said Cardin. 

“I commend the resiliency of the Ecuadorian people, as well as the remarkable efforts of first responders and the international community who are working tirelessly and with conviction to address the urgent needs of the thousands of people who were injured or impacted. The United States stands in support of the people of Ecuador as they work toward full recovery.”