Ecuador: At least 14 killed in 6.8 magnitude earthquake

by Alexandra Valencia

QUITO (Reuters) – A powerful earthquake rattled western Ecuador and northern Peru on Saturday, killing at least 14 people and injuring hundreds.

The epicenter of the earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, was located at a depth of 66.4 km, about 10 km from Balao town in Guayas province, according to the American Geological Watch Institute (USGS).

Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso wrote on Twitter, “We continue to assess the damage caused by the earthquake this morning. I want to assure you that I am with you and express our solidarity and commitment to the victims.”

The quake killed 14 people and injured more than 380 others, especially in El Oro province, according to Ecuador’s presidential communications agency.

Medical centers, schools and homes were damaged in the earthquake.

Peruvian officials said the quake was felt in the north of the country and there were no reports of casualties or damage.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia, Fabian Andres Camberro and Jackie Botes; French edition by Camille Renaud)