A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Esmeraldas, Ecuador, injuring 20 and displacing 540. Aftershocks followed, while power outages were reported. Government response includes shelter and aid deployment, and seismic activity has been linked to the Nazca plate.
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 struck the province of Esmeraldas in northwestern Ecuador on Friday morning, resulting in injuries to at least 20 individuals, according to official reports. The tremor hit at 6:44 AM local time, with its epicenter located in the city of Esmeraldas and a depth of about 14.3 miles, as noted by the European Mediterranean Seismological Center.
Just 25 minutes later, the region experienced a 3.8 magnitude aftershock, confirmed by Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute. This aftershock originated from the vicinity of San Lorenzo, approximately 33.7 miles from the original epicenter. Fortunately, the Navy’s Oceanographic Institute declared that the risk of a tsunami had been ruled out.
However, the damage was significant. Images surfaced on social media showcasing widespread destruction, with news that over 540 residents were displaced across four cantons in Esmeraldas. Multiple neighborhoods, too, faced power outages, emphasizing the quake’s impact. The National Electricity Corporation announced that their technicians were deployed to restore power in the affected areas.
In a precautionary measure following the earthquake, Petroecuador halted operations at the Esmeraldas refinery and SOTE pipeline, though specific details on production ramifications were not disclosed. In response to the disaster, President Daniel Noboa took to social media platform X, sharing that ministers had been dispatched to the province to establish shelters and distribute humanitarian aid kits.
Mónica Segovia, director of the Geophysical Institute, explained the cause of the earthquake, attributing it to seismic activity along the Nazca plate, which lies off the coast of South America in the eastern Pacific Ocean basin. “This movement is more abrupt and instantaneous, precisely where seismic waves are produced,” she stated during an interview with Ecuavisa television.
Adding to the seismic activity, a separate 4.1 magnitude earthquake was detected in the Guayas province, situated about 218 miles south of Esmeraldas. This tremor occurred at a larger depth of 53.4 miles. Segovia clarified there was initial confusion regarding the number of earthquakes, saying, “In fact, they were two different earthquakes.”
The aftermath of the main earthquake left at least 135 homes damaged in Esmeraldas. Cleanup efforts began soon after, with police and construction workers clearing debris from the streets. As the community grapples with the effects of the quake, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Esmeraldas, Ecuador, early on Friday has resulted in injuries, displacements, and significant property damage. Emergency responses are underway, with government officials mobilizing support and shelter for displaced residents. The seismic activity has been linked to the Nazca plate’s movement, as authorities work to understand the situation amidst ongoing aftershocks. Community recovery efforts will be crucial in the coming days.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
