A shallow 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Esmeraldas, Ecuador injured 20 people, destroyed many buildings, and caused power outages. The government is mobilizing aid efforts, while a suspension of operations at the local oil refinery has been announced. Fortunately, there is no tsunami risk or serious injuries reported in nearby Colombia.
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the port city of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, on Friday, leaving at least 20 individuals injured and causing significant damage to various structures. The quake, felt as far away as Quito, resulted in downed power lines and widespread destruction across the city. The local emergency services reported multiple injuries, with victims suffering head and body trauma due to the tremors.
Among those commenting on the incident was former presidential candidate Yaku Perez, who described the earthquake as intense. “It felt like an eternity, but I guess it was less than a minute,” he remarked to AFP from the site of the disaster. Eyewitness accounts detailed significant scenes of devastation, including collapsed facades and streets littered with debris.
Authorities reported that approximately 60 homes were damaged, alongside a health center, and noted that a military building’s front collapsed. The impact also affected infrastructure, damaging two roads and a bridge in the area. In response, Petroamazonas, Ecuador’s national oil company, announced a suspension of operations at the Esmeraldas refinery, which typically produces 111,000 barrels of oil per day. They also halted activities on a nearby pipeline, crucial for transporting oil.
Ecuador’s recently re-elected president, Daniel Noboa, indicated that he was sending government ministers to Esmeraldas to coordinate emergency responses, including the establishment of shelters and the distribution of humanitarian aid. He expressed solidarity via social media, stating, “The government is with you, and that’s how it will be going forward.”
The quake occurred shortly before 7:00 am local time, at a depth of about 35 kilometers (22 miles) off the coast, according to the US Geological Survey. Thankfully, authorities confirmed that there was no tsunami threat resulting from the earthquake. Ecuador is situated in a seismically active region, where the Nazca and South American tectonic plates meet. This area has historically been prone to significant seismic events.
This tremor affected 10 out of the country’s 24 provinces, yet no injuries were reported in neighboring Colombia. Notably, Ecuador had recently commemorated the anniversary of a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred in 2016, which tragically resulted in 673 fatalities and thousands of injuries.
In summary, the recent earthquake in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, has left a trail of destruction and injuries, prompting immediate government action and support measures for affected citizens. The tremor’s significant impact highlights the ongoing risk posed by the region’s geological activity, as authorities continue to assess damages and provide assistance.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
