Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Strikes Ecuador’s Pacific Coast, Causes Damage and Injuries
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Ecuador’s Pacific coast, causing injuries to at least 20, damage to over 60 buildings, and widespread power outages. President Noboa announced aid efforts while an initial tsunami alert was canceled shortly after the quake.
A significant earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck Ecuador’s Pacific coast early Friday morning, as reported by the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre. The quake hit around 6:45 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located roughly 30 kilometers off the northwestern city of Esmeraldas, at a depth of 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles).
In the aftermath of the tremor, at least 20 individuals sustained injuries, and more than 60 structures were damaged, including homes, a health center, and a military facility. Local residents, observed amid the chaos, managed to navigate through debris during evacuations, while others worked to remove collapsed walls obstructing streets.
Reports from local media indicated extensive power outages in Esmeraldas following the earthquake, prompting the state energy company Petroecuador to halt operations at the Esmeraldas refinery as a precautionary measure. The tremor was felt throughout at least ten provinces, reaching as far as the capital, Quito, and even neighboring Colombia experienced seismic activity.
Authorities in Ecuador initially issued a tsunami alert for the affected coastal areas, but this alert was later rescinded. President Daniel Noboa, currently in Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, commented via X that the government has mobilized to set up shelters and deliver humanitarian aid to those in need. He reassured citizens that assistance will be provided wherever necessary.
Ecuador’s geographical location, situated above the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, means that seismic events like this are a regular occurrence. The nation often experiences tremors, resulting from the shifting of these tectonic plates.
In conclusion, the magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck Ecuador’s Pacific coast has led to injuries, infrastructural damage, and power outages. While the situation remains critical, authorities are working to provide aid and support to affected areas, while the seismic risks due to the country’s geological positioning continue to pose challenges.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
