Strong Ecuador Quake Kills 200, Causes ‘Considerable Damage’
QUITO, Ecuador - At least 28 people died in Ecuador when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the country’s northwest Pacific coast late on Saturday, causing “considerable damage” near the epicenter as well as in the largest city of Guayaquil.
The Andean nation’s government recommended residents leave coastal areas over concern for rising tides following the quake.
Alarmed residents streamed into the streets of the capital Quito, hundreds of kilometers (miles) away, and other towns across the nation.
“Based on preliminary information, there are 16 people dead in the city of Portoviejo, 10 in Manta and two in the province of Guayas,” said Vice President Jorge Glas in a televised address. “We continue to receive information.”
More: Strong Ecuador quake kills 28, causes ‘considerable damage’
Also See:
Ecuador earthquake toll tops 200; rescuers rush to dig out the trapped
Powerful earthquake kills dozens in Ecuador