Earthquake wreaks havoc in Ecuador, 12 people died – tremors felt till neighboring Peru

Quito (Best Hindu News): Twelve people were killed and one person was injured in a powerful earthquake that hit Peru and Ecuador on Saturday. Along with this, many buildings were damaged in the earthquake. Damaged buildings, crushed vehicles and debris could be seen in cities such as Machala and Cuenca in Ecuador. However, rescue officials arrived for help. But the local people panicked and reached the streets.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the quake at a magnitude of 6.8 and a depth of 41 miles (66 kilometers). The earthquake occurred at 12:12 local time (1712 GMT). Officials said its epicenter was in the Ecuadorian municipality of Balao, near the Peruvian border. “I ran out into the street as I saw people getting out of their cars in panic,” Magali Escandon told AFP.

Ecuador’s president said in a tweet that 12 deaths have been reported so far (11 in El Oro province and one in Azuay province). Social media reports said tremors were also felt in other cities, including Guayaquil, Quito, Manabi and Manta. No casualties or major damage have been reported in Peru so far. Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso urged people to remain calm in a message on Twitter.

In El Oro province, three people were reported killed. Peruvian seismological officials initially reported a magnitude of 7.0, but reduced it to 6.7 hours later. Hernando Tavera, head of Peru’s national seismological center, assured RPP radio that there had been no significant damage to structures or people in the country. The first aftershock of 4.8 was recorded in Balao, Ecuador. The Ecuadorian Navy said there was no danger of a tsunami.