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TAMPA (FOX13) - Local Ecuadorians gathered at Tampa's Ecuador Social Club to monitor streaming feeds of the news in Ecuador, watching the devastating effects of the largest earthquake to hit their country in decades.
The small club is where local Ecuadorians share a meal and come together with others in the Tampa community. Some members spent Sunday feverishly trying to connect with family back home.
The magnitude-7.8 earthquake has killed hundreds. The death toll is rising as towns have been flattened and people are trapped among the rubble.
Marcos Espinoza says he is lucky to have made contact with his family and friends, who are safe.
"The most important thing [is] my family and friends are safe," said Espinoza.
His father lives nearly 100 miles from the quake's epicenter, and felt the tremors.
"They have felt the earthquake. There's collapsed bridges, houses. The earthquake was a big impact," Espinoza said.
The club is in the process of setting up a collection center for donations that will be sent to Ecuador.
"I wish I could be out there and help. Some way, doing some bit of humanitarian help," said Espinoza.