Ecuador Earthquake: Death Toll Rises To 77
KABUL: (MEP) The death toll from the powerful earthquake in Ecuador climbed up to 77 after a measuring 7.8 tremor on the Richter scale hit the northwest Pacific coast late on Saturday.
The quake, Ecuador’s largest since 1979, hit at 18:58 (23:58 GMT) near the northern town of Muisne, Vice-President Jorge Glas said.
Noting that a state of emergency has been declared in the six worst-hit provinces, he added that police, the military and emergency services “are in a state of maximum alert to protect the lives of citizens.”
Widespread severe damage is reported, with a bridge destroyed as far south as Guayaquil about 300km (190 miles) away.
Mr Glas said that at least 77 people had died and 588 had been injured, adding that the figures could rise as a number of affected areas had not yet been reached.
Nearly 10 minutes prior to the 7.8 tremor, the same area was hit by a 4.8-magnitude quake. The Ecuadorian Civilian Space Agency issued a warning, saying that powerful aftershocks were possible for the next 24 hours.
