Earthquake in Ecuador kills at least 1 person, causes extensive damage

On Saturday, a massive earthquake shook the region around Ecuador’s second-largest city, killing at least one person, damaging houses and buildings, and panicking residents taking to the streets.

The US Geological Survey has reported a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in the coastal region of Guayas. It was centered about 50 miles (80 km) south of Guayaquil, home to over 3 million people.

The South American country’s emergency response agency, Risk Management Secretariat, said one person has died in the Andean community of Cuenca. The victim was a passenger in a car that was stuck under the rubble of a house.

In Guayaquil, about 170 miles (270 km) southwest of the capital Quito, authorities reported cracks in buildings and houses, as well as some walls collapsing. The authorities ordered the closure of three road tunnels.

Videos posted on social media show people gathering on the streets of Guayaquil and nearby communities. People have reported that objects have been dropped into their homes.

A pier sank in the city of Machala. The earthquake was also felt in northern Peru.

Very powerful in 2019 7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes southern Ecuadorclose to the country’s border with Peru.