On Saturday afternoon, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 shook the south of Ecuador. According to the data known so far, at least 14 people died, several hundred were injured and material damage was reported. The earthquake was also felt in northern Peru, but no damage or casualties were reported.
The epicenter of the earthquake was 65 kilometers below the surface, about 10 kilometers from the city Balaoaccording to data from the US Geological Survey.
From the office of the president Guillermo Lass reported that 14 people were killed and more than 380 were injured, mostly in the province of El Oro. The president said that they are inspecting the extent of the damage on the ground. He expressed solidarity with the victims.
At least 44 homes were destroyed, and another 90 were damaged. About 50 school buildings and more than 30 medical buildings are also affected centers, several roads are closed or impassable due to landslides. Santa Rosa Airport in the provincial capital of El Oro suffered minor damage but remains operational.
Among the affected cities is Cuencaone of the largest cities in the country, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
So far, authorities have not issued a tsunami warning, CNN reports. Airports in Guayaquil and Cuenci they work normally.
The Peruvian authorities announced that the earthquake was also felt in the north of the country, but no casualties or damage were reported from there.
Source: Rtvslo
