Post-earthquake short-run labor income shifts. What happens with the distribution of wages after an earthquake?

In this article we explore whether a strong earthquake (Manabí and Esmeraldas provinces, Ecuador, April 16th, 2016) had distributional effect in labor income. We use survey micro-data exploit the exogenous nature of shock with an empirical strategy based on combination matching, difference (DID) quantile regression (QR) methods using three intensity measures to define our treatment group (Peak Ground Acceleration, PGA; Modified Mercalli Intensity, MMI; Peak Velocity, PGV). find short-run favorable poorest workers most seismic areas, higher growth rates for female first deciles. Quantile differences (QDID) estimates matched individuals show increases approximately 12% decile income 9.5% second one. Our results suggest that some opportunities might arise lower-paid if economic incentives are directed towards affected areas.