Ecuador: 6.8 magnitude earthquake kills at least 13

At least 13 people were killed in a strong earthquake that shook a coastal region of Ecuador and northern Peru midday Saturday, causing structural damage to multiple homes, schools and medical centers. "Emergency teams are mobilizing to offer all their support to those who have been affected," said Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso in a tweet. The quake, which the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured at magnitude 6.8, struck at a depth of 66.4 km (41.3 miles) about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the city of Balao in the province of Guayas. At least 11 people died in the province of El Oro and at least one person died in the province of Azuay, according to the communications department for Ecuador’s president said.

#BREAKING #ECUADOR

ECUADOR : STRONG EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE 6.8 HIT ECUADOR, EPICENTER NEAR BALÁO! #VIDEO Aftermath of earthquake scenes from Baláo! A house collapsed, at least 2 people died. #BreakingNews #UltimaHora #Baláo #Earthquake #Sismo #Terremoto #Temblor #Gempa pic.twitter.com/BVqGXTN3Km

— LoveWorld (@LoveWorld_Peopl) March 18, 2023

There is no tsunami warning in effect for the area, according to the US weather service. The airports of Guayaquil and Cuenca remained open and operational, the official statement said.