A 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, injured 20, damaged numerous buildings, and caused power outages. Emergency services report significant destruction, prompting government action to provide aid. The quake’s effects were felt widely, with roots in the region’s geological activity.
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the port city of Esmeraldas in Ecuador early Friday morning, resulting in at least 20 injuries and major structural damage. The quake, which occurred shortly before 7:00 AM local time, impacted buildings and caused power outages across the region. It was felt as far away as the capital city, Quito.
Emergency response services reported that victims suffered from head injuries and various other wounds. Eyewitness accounts highlighted significant destruction, with collapsed walls and debris scattered across the streets. Families gathered to assess the damage, which included 60 homes and a health center, alongside damage to a military structure, two roads, and a bridge.
Petroecuador, the national oil company, announced the suspension of operations at the Esmeraldas refinery, which produces 111,000 barrels of oil daily. Additionally, this refinery is crucial for the Transecuadorian Pipeline System that transports 360,000 barrels each day. The economic repercussions of the quake could be substantial.
In response to the disaster, President Daniel Noboa indicated he was dispatching ministers to coordinate supplies and begin the process of building shelters for affected residents. He emphasized on social media, “The government is with you, and that’s how it will be going forward.”
The quake’s depth was assessed at approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) off the coast, with no tsunami risk reported by Ecuadoran authorities. Ecuador, situated along one of the Earth’s most seismically active areas, frequently experiences earthquakes due to tectonic movement between the Nazca and South American plates.
The tremor was felt in ten provinces of Ecuador, while no injuries were reported in Colombia, the country located to the north. This seismic event comes just a week after Ecuador commemorated the anniversary of a catastrophic earthquake that occurred in 2016, a tragedy that claimed 673 lives and resulted in around 6,300 injuries.
In summary, the recent earthquake in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, has led to significant injuries and extensive property damage. With ongoing efforts being coordinated by President Daniel Noboa and local emergency services, the immediate focus is on recovery, humanitarian aid, and infrastructure repair. This seismic incident highlights Ecuador’s vulnerability to earthquakes, particularly in light of historical events that have caused devastating impacts in the past.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
