Massive earthquake hits Ecuador, 15 people died

Kathmandu: 15 people have lost their lives after a massive earthquake of 6.7 magnitudes hit the southern coast of Ecuador. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake had shaken Ecuador’s coastal Guayas region and the northern side of Peru on Saturday.

The leading TV channel of the country, Ecuavisa, reported that the death toll had reached the number of 14. It further added that El Oro is the highly affected province with a loss of 12 and Azuay with 2.

14 people from Ecuador and one person from Peru lost their life due to the earthquake. Ecuador officials have reported the injury of about 381 people.

The quake’s epicenter was Guayaquil, the second biggest city in Ecuador, which has more than three million population. The officials said that the earthquake did not trigger the generation of tsunamis.

The Geophysical Institute of Ecuador reported that the area also faced two small aftershocks within a few hours after the initial shake.

Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso said that the earthquake had generated alarm in the population.

The Presidential office of Ecuador said, ‘We have sufficient economic resources for immediately repairing the earthquake damages and all the ministers are activated.’

Alberto Otarola, the Prime Minister of Peru, said that a four year girl lost her life after witnessing the collapse of her home due to head trauma.

Likewise, the northern side of Peru was affected by the earthquake.

The houses and building have been damaged and cracked in Guayaquil. The authorities have also closed the 3 road tunnel service in the area.

Although Ecuador is regarded as sensitive area of the earthquake, the recent one has been regarded as the strongest since 2016. About 700 people had lost their life in the past.