Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Strikes Ecuador’s Pacific Coast, Injuries Reported

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Ecuador’s Pacific coast, resulting in injuries, structural damage, and power outages. The epicenter was near Esmeraldas, with effects felt in multiple provinces. President Noboa has promised aid for affected residents and the tsunami alert was lifted shortly after the incident.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.3 hit near Ecuador’s Pacific coast early Friday, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre. The quake struck around 6:45 AM local time, roughly 30 kilometers below the surface, just off the northwestern city of Esmeraldas. This seismic event has left at least 20 people injured and caused damage to numerous structures, including 60 homes, a health center, and a military building.

Images from the area show residents navigating through wreckage while others work to clear debris from collapsed walls blocking streets. Local media have noted that power outages were widespread in Esmeraldas. As a precaution, the state energy company Petroecuador has temporarily halted operations at its Esmeraldas refinery in the wake of the earthquake.

The tremors were felt in at least 10 provinces across Ecuador, including the capital city, Quito, and the seismic activity reached parts of neighboring Colombia as well. Initially, Ecuadorian authorities issued a tsunami alert for the Pacific region; however, this alert was promptly canceled shortly after.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, currently in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, took to social media platform X to convey that shelters are being established and that humanitarian aid kits are being prepared for those affected. He stated that the government is committed to providing “assistance in everything our people need.” Ecuador frequently experiences tremors due to its location over the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, leading to ongoing seismic activity.

In summary, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Ecuador’s Pacific coast has resulted in injuries and significant structural damage, particularly in Esmeraldas. President Noboa has assured citizens that aid and support are on the way, as authorities remain vigilant in responding to the needs of communities affected by this natural disaster. The swift cancellation of the tsunami alert helped to alleviate further concerns as the nation grapples with the impact of this tremor.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr