Ecuador’s Esmeraldas Hit by 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake, Causing Injuries and Damage

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the port city of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, injuring 20 people and damaging dozens of buildings. The quake, felt as far as Quito, resulted in power outages and halted oil operations. The government is coordinating humanitarian efforts as assessments continue on the damage.

A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Ecuadorian port city of Esmeraldas on Friday, injuring at least 20 individuals and causing substantial property damage. Emergency response teams reported that many of the injured suffered head injuries among other wounds, with the quake felt as far as Quito, the capital. The intensity of the tremor prompted shock and concern among residents, with Yaku Perez, a former presidential candidate, recalling, “It felt like an eternity, but I guess it was less than a minute.”

In Esmeraldas, an AFP reporter observed considerable destruction, including collapsed structures and debris strewn across streets. Power outages were also reported, compounding the chaos. Authorities assessed damage to roughly 60 homes and a healthcare center, along with a military building experiencing a partial facade collapse. The quake also took a toll on infrastructure, damaging two roads and a bridge.

Petroecuador, the national oil company, announced the suspension of operations at their Esmeraldas refinery, which typically produces 111,000 barrels of oil daily. Additionally, they noted that a nearby pipeline’s activity had also been halted. Daniel Noboa, Ecuador’s recently re-elected president, indicated he was dispatching government officials to assist in the aftermath, stating, “The government is with you, and that is how it will be going forward.”

The US Geological Survey confirmed that the quake occurred just offshore, at a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles), shortly before 7:00 am local time (1200 GMT). Fortunately, Ecuadoran officials have indicated that there is no tsunami risk following this seismic event.

Ecuador is located in a highly active geological region, where the Nazca and South American tectonic plates converge, often leading to significant earthquakes. The Geophysical Institute noted that these interactions contribute to some of the largest tremors in the nation. This particular quake was felt across 10 of Ecuador’s 24 provinces, though no injuries were reported in neighboring Colombia. Interestingly, just last week, Ecuador commemorated the anniversary of a catastrophic earthquake in 2016 that resulted in tragic loss of life, reminding the nation of its vulnerability to seismic events.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Esmeraldas has left a significant mark, injuring 20 individuals and causing damage to numerous buildings and infrastructure. Power outages and operations at a major oil refinery have added to the challenges. The government’s swift response aims to provide necessary support to affected residents as they recover from this natural disaster. With Ecuador’s history of seismic activity, this event serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes.

Original Source: 24newshd.tv