Ecuador Earthquake Leaves Buildings in Ruins, Injures Scores
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Esmeraldas, Ecuador, injuring 20 and damaging buildings. Rescue efforts are underway, with President Noboa coordinating aid. No tsunami risk reported; the quake caused significant disruption and highlights Ecuador’s seismic vulnerabilities.
On Friday, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Ecuadoran port city of Esmeraldas, resulting in at least 20 injuries and substantial property damage. Reports indicate that the quake caused structural failures in numerous buildings and disrupted power supplies across the area. The tremor could be felt as far away as Quito, the nation’s capital.
Emergency response services revealed that the injured individuals sustained various wounds, including head injuries. “It was very strong,” remarked former presidential candidate Yaku Perez while speaking to AFP from Esmeraldas. He described the shaking as feeling prolonged, though it lasted less than a minute.
An AFP correspondent in Esmeraldas observed significant destruction, with walls collapsed, facades blocking roads, and numerous buildings showing cracks. Local families surveyed the extensive damage around them. Authorities report that around 60 homes and a health center incurred damage, alongside a partial collapse of a military building’s facade.
Petroecuador, the state oil company, announced the suspension of operations at the Esmeraldas refinery following the quake. The facility is responsible for processing 111,000 barrels of oil each day, while the nearby Transecuadorian Pipeline System transports an impressive 360,000 barrels daily.
In response to the disaster, President Daniel Noboa, who recently won re-election, stated that he was dispatching ministers to assist in coordinating emergency shelters and humanitarian aid. “The government is with you, and that’s how it will be going forward,” he conveyed through social media.
The earthquake occurred just offshore at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) shortly before 7:00 AM local time (1200 GMT), according to the US Geological Survey. Fortunately, Ecuadoran authorities confirmed that there was no tsunami risk arising from the quake.
Ecuador is situated in a highly seismic region, with the boundary between the Nazca and South American plates running along its coastline, contributing to frequent earthquakes. The country’s Geophysical Institute explained that the convergence of these tectonic plates, which move at a rate of 5.6 centimeters (2.2 inches) annually, is largely responsible for its most significant earthquakes. This particular tremor was felt in ten out of the twenty-four provinces of the country, although neighboring Colombia reported no injuries.
It is worth noting that just last week, Ecuador commemorated the anniversary of the devastating 2016 earthquake that impacted Manabi and Esmeraldas. That quake, measured at a magnitude of 7.8, tragically resulted in 673 fatalities and approximately 6,300 injuries.
In summary, the recent earthquake in Esmeraldas has caused significant injuries and destruction, with at least 20 individuals requiring medical attention. Authorities are responding swiftly, with President Daniel Noboa promising government support for affected residents. This incident highlights Ecuador’s vulnerability to seismic activity, a reality underscored by recent historical events. As the nation begins recovery efforts, the impact of this quake will be closely monitored.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
