Ecuador’s Esmeraldas Region Shaken by 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake

A powerful 6.8 earthquake struck Esmeraldas, Ecuador, injuring 20 and displacing over 540 people. The quake elicited a 3.8 magnitude aftershock and significant structural damage across the region. Power outages occurred, prompting government aid efforts. The earthquake was linked to seismic activity from the Nazca plate.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Esmeraldas in northwestern Ecuador early Friday, injuring at least 20 individuals, according to government reports. The tremor occurred at 6:44 a.m. local time and originated at a depth of approximately 14.3 miles, as noted by the European Mediterranean Seismological Center. In the aftermath, a 3.8 magnitude aftershock was recorded about 25 minutes later, with its epicenter located 33.7 miles from San Lorenzo in the same province.

Despite the chaos caused by the initial earthquake, the Navy’s Oceanographic Institute confirmed that no tsunami threat was present. Images flooded social media, showcasing the extensive damage incurred by homes and businesses. Authorities reported that at least 540 people were displaced across four cantons in Esmeraldas, while power outages affected multiple neighborhoods due to the quake, according to the National Electricity Corporation.

The National Electricity Corporation stated, “Our technicians, supported by specialized vehicles, continue working to normalize the medium-voltage supply in the pending sectors.” Petroamazonas, the state oil company, announced they halted operations at the Esmeraldas refinery and SOTE pipeline as a precautionary measure, without detailing the effects on production.

In a post on X, President Daniel Noboa assured that government officials were in Esmeraldas to organize shelters and distribute humanitarian aid kits. Mónica Segovia, the Geophysical Institute’s director, explained on Ecuavisa television that the earthquake was related to seismic activity from the Nazca tectonic plate, which is situated along the eastern Pacific Ocean off South America’s coast.

She elaborated, “It penetrates beneath the continent and at some point this movement is more abrupt and instantaneous, precisely where seismic waves are produced.” Additionally, a separate magnitude 4.1 earthquake was detected in Guayas, approximately 218 miles south of Esmeraldas, with a depth of about 53.4 miles.

Segovia observed that the initial confusion among residents was understandable. “People were very confused at first, where the earthquake was. In fact, they were two different earthquakes.” With at least 135 homes reported damaged, recovery efforts are already underway as the area grapples with the aftermath of this significant seismic event.

In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Esmeraldas, Ecuador, has left numerous individuals injured and widespread property damage in its wake. With preventative measures being taken by both local authorities and state oil companies, the community faces the challenge of responding to this disaster. Reports indicate that significant efforts for recovery are already in progress as officials provide aid and shelter to those affected.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk