A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale hit the coast of Ecuador and northern Peru at noon on the 18th. At least 12 people died in Ecuador and many buildings were damaged. Rescuers are providing assistance in various places.
According to comprehensive foreign media reports, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) observation data, the epicenter of the earthquake was about 10 kilometers away from Balao County, Guayas Province, Ecuador, and the depth of the earthquake was 66.4 kilometers. In Ecuador, many buildings, schools and hospitals were damaged, and many roads were impassable due to landslides. The earthquake is known to have killed 12 people.
Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso said that rescue teams are providing all assistance to the victims. The Ecuadorian Geophysical Research Center pointed out that within an hour after the 6.8 strong earthquake occurred, there were two aftershocks in the surrounding area.
In addition to Ecuador, the shaking was also felt in neighboring Peru to the south, but Peruvian authorities did not immediately report casualties. Free Times 0318