A 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook Esmeraldas, Ecuador, on Friday morning, injuring at least 20 people and displacing over 540 residents. The earthquake, struck at 6:44 a.m., caused significant damage, prompting emergency responses and power outages across the region. A follow-up aftershock occurred shortly after the initial tremor. Authorities are working to provide support and address the damage.
A powerful earthquake hit the northwestern region of Ecuador early Friday morning, causing significant damage and injuring at least 20 individuals. The seismic event registered a magnitude of 6.8 and struck at 6:44 a.m. local time near the city of Esmeraldas, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Center. The quake occurred at a depth of about 14.3 miles beneath the earth’s surface, leading to a sense of panic among residents.
Shortly after the initial shock, a 3.8 magnitude aftershock rattled the area roughly 25 minutes later, originating 33.7 miles from San Lorenzo, also in Esmeraldas province, as per the Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute. Thankfully, the Navy’s Oceanographic Institute has indicated that there is no tsunami threat at this time, providing a small measure of relief for the worried populace.
The quake has severely impacted everyday life, with over 540 residents displaced across four cantons in Esmeraldas. Many homes and businesses have sustained significant damage, with images of disarray and destruction rapidly circulated via social media platforms. The National Electricity Corporation reported widespread power outages affecting various neighborhoods in the province, highlighting the earthquake’s effect on local infrastructure.
Responding to the crisis, President Daniel Noboa posted on X, confirming plans to establish shelters and provide humanitarian aid to those affected. Meanwhile, the state oil company, Petroecuador, suspended operations at the Esmeraldas refinery and the SOTE pipeline as a precaution. They stated they are rigorously inspecting the operational network to ensure safety moving forward.
Mónica Segovia, director of the Geophysical Institute, explained that the severe tremors resulted from tectonic movements involving the Nazca plate, which is located off the coast of South America. “This movement is more abrupt and instantaneous at times, causing seismic waves to emerge,” she elaborated to Ecuavisa television. Additionally, another earthquake of 4.1 magnitude was reported 218 miles south in Guayas province, adding to the day’s unsettling seismic activity.
As the dust settles from the chaos, at least 135 homes have been reported damaged, and emergency crews are actively working to clear debris from streets. The situation has left many residents confused and anxious. Segovia noted, “People were very confused at first about where the earthquake was. In fact, they were two different earthquakes.’ With the community still grappling with the aftereffects, recovery efforts continue to evolve amidst the wreckage.
In summary, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Ecuador on Friday has led to injuries, significant damage, and widespread disruption. With government authorities responding swiftly to provide aid and ensure safety, the challenges ahead are evident. Continued monitoring is critical as aftershocks and their impacts unfold, while the community begins the long road to recovery.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
