A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Ecuador’s Pacific coast, causing injuries and damage. At least 20 people were hurt, with damage to homes and infrastructure. The government is responding with shelters and aid.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit Ecuador’s Pacific coast early Friday, according to reports from the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre. The quake struck around 6:45 AM local time, just off the northwestern city of Esmeraldas, at a depth of approximately 30 kilometers. This seismic event has caused significant injuries, with at least 20 people reported hurt and substantial damage to infrastructure.
In the wake of the tremor, at least 60 homes, a health center, and a military facility sustained damage. Residents were observed navigating through debris during swift evacuations, with some working to clear collapsed walls hindering traffic on local streets. Additionally, there were widespread reports of power outages affecting the area, prompting state energy company Petroecuador to temporarily halt operations at its Esmeraldas refinery for safety reasons.
The earthquake’s effects reverberated through at least 10 provinces, reaching as far as Quito, the nation’s capital, with tremors also felt in nearby Colombia. Initially, Ecuador authorities issued a tsunami alert for the Pacific coast, only to cancel it shortly afterward once the situation was assessed as stable.
President Daniel Noboa, currently in Rome attending Pope Francis’s funeral, addressed the situation via X, confirming that the government is mobilizing resources to set up shelters and distribute humanitarian aid kits. He emphasized the commitment to support affected individuals, indicating a comprehensive response to the disaster.
Ecuador’s geographical position lies over the converging Nazca and South American tectonic plates, which contributes to regular seismic activity in the region. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring safety and restoring normalcy for residents.
In summary, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake on Ecuador’s Pacific coast resulted in injuries, damage to homes and infrastructure, and power outages. The government is taking swift action to establish shelters and provide aid, while the initial tsunami alert was quickly lifted. The seismic activity is a reminder of the region’s vulnerability due to tectonic plate movements.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
