Ecuador rocked by 6.3 magnitude earthquake

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck northwestern Ecuador early on Friday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The shallow quake left at least one person injured, several buildings damaged and knocked out power in the Ecuadoran port city of Esmeraldas.

Ecuadoran authorities said there was no tsunami risk from the quake.


The quake hit the border province of Esmeraldas at a depth of 35 kilometres, around 6:45am local time (11:45 GMT). Residents across the region, including in the capital Quito, reported feeling the tremors.

According to emergency response services, one person suffered head wounds in the shake while three homes and a health center were damaged while the facade of a military building partially collapsed.

Former presidential candidate Yaku Perez told AFP, "it was very strong," adding, "it felt like an eternity, but I guess it was less than a minute".

President Daniel Noboa said he was rushing ministers to the scene to help coordinate the building of shelters and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


"The government is with you, and that's how it will be going forward," he said on social media.

Ecuador lies on one of the most geologically active zones on Earth, and the fault between the Nazca and South American plates runs along its coast.