Earthquake in Ecuador kills at least 12, causes wide damage

A beardown earthquake shook nan region astir Ecuador's second-largest metropolis connected Saturday, sidesplitting astatine slightest 12 people, damaging homes and buildings, and sending panicked residents into nan streets.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported an earthquake pinch a magnitude of 6.8 successful nan country's coastal Guayas region. It was centered astir 50 miles (80 kilometers) southbound of Guayaquil, which anchors a metro area of complete 3 cardinal people.

The South American country's emergency consequence agency, nan Risk Management Secretariat, reported 1 personification died successful nan Andean organization of Cuenca. The unfortunate was a rider successful a conveyance trapped nether nan rubble of a house.

In Guayaquil, astir 170 miles (270 kilometers) southwest of nan capital, Quito, authorities reported cracks connected buildings and homes, arsenic good arsenic immoderate collapsed walls. Authorities ordered nan closure of 3 vehicular tunnels.

Videos shared connected societal media show group gathered connected nan streets of Guayaquil and adjacent communities. People reported objects falling wrong their homes.

A pier sank successful nan metropolis of Machala. The earthquake was besides felt successful bluish Peru.

In 2019, a very powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck confederate Ecuador, adjacent to nan country's separator pinch Peru.

This is simply a breaking news story. Check backmost for updates.

In:
• Ecuador
• Earthquake