At least 14 people have been killed in a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 in Ecuador and Peru, the news agency Reuters reported.
According to the report, the incident happened on Saturday (March 18) local time. As a result of the earthquake, many houses were destroyed, medical centers and school buildings collapsed.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 66.4 kilometers, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the town of Balao in Guayas province.
Authorities said there is no danger of a tsunami due to the earthquake.
Meanwhile, Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso said in a tweet, “We are in the area to verify the damage caused by the earthquake.” I want to make sure I’m with you. Also expressing my solidarity and commitment to the victims.
The communication agency of the country’s presidency said that 14 people died in the earthquake. More than 380 people were injured. Most of the casualties were from El Oro province.
44 houses collapsed. Another 90 were damaged. Apart from this, more than 50 school houses and more than 30 health centers have been damaged. As a result of the earthquake, landslides have cut off road communication in several areas.
