A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit near Ecuador’s Pacific coast, causing injuries and property damage. The quake affected multiple provinces, prompting a temporary power outage and a tsunami alert that was later canceled. President Noboa pledged government assistance and shelter for those affected.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake jolted Ecuador’s Pacific coast early Friday, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre. The quake hit around 6:45 AM local time (11:45 GMT), striking close to Esmeraldas, a northwestern coastal city, at a depth of about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). This strong tremor has had serious consequences, including injuries and damage to buildings.
Reports indicate that at least 20 individuals sustained injuries due to the earthquake, with over 60 homes, a health center, and a military installation suffering structural damage. In the immediate aftermath, residents were observed navigating through debris while trying to clear away fallen walls from the streets. Local news outlets also reported widespread power outages in Esmeraldas.
The state energy company, Petroecuador, took precautionary measures by temporarily halting operations at the Esmeraldas refinery following the quake. The shaking could be felt across at least 10 provinces, even reaching Quito, the nation’s capital. There were also reports of seismic activity in neighboring Colombia, indicating the quake’s significant reach.
Initially, a tsunami alert was issued for the Pacific coast but was later canceled by authorities. President Daniel Noboa, attending a funeral in Rome, announced via X that the government is preparing shelters and distributing humanitarian aid kits. He expressed a commitment to assist the affected, saying they would offer “assistance in everything our people need.”
Ecuador’s geographic location makes it susceptible to seismic events as it lies on the convergent boundary of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, which is notorious for generating continual tremors.
In summary, Ecuador faced a significant earthquake measuring 6.3 that impacted the Pacific coast, particularly near Esmeraldas. The damage includes multiple injuries and extensive property destruction, prompting immediate government response measures. While initial fears of a tsunami were alleviated quickly, the tremor served as a stark reminder of Ecuador’s geological vulnerability, located between major tectonic plates.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
