Tragedy strikes as earthquake kills at least 12 people in Ecuador

Gayakol: At least 12 people were killed, one was injured and buildings were damaged in the powerful blast. Earthquake It rocked Peru and Ecuador early Saturday, Ecuador’s presidency said.

Destroyed buildings, crushed vehicles and debris could be seen in cities like Machala, Ecuador, as rescue workers rushed to offer aid and tearful residents gathered in the streets.

gave EarthquakeThe earthquake, which the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported as having a magnitude of 6.8 and a depth of about 41 miles (66 km), struck at 12:12 local time (1712 GMT).

It was centered 52 miles (85 km) northeast of the Peruvian city of Xeromela near the border with Ecuador. Seismological The center of Peru reported.

“So far, 12 deaths have been reported (11 in El Oro province and one in Azuay province),” Ecuador’s presidency said in a tweet.

In a message on Twitter, Ecuador’s president, Guillermo Lasso, urged people to “remain calm and report damage to buildings through official channels.”

The facade of a house in the southern city of Cuenca fell on a vehicle, leaving “one deceased person,” according to Quito’s risk management office.

Nearby, in El Oro province, three people were reported dead when a tower collapsed and crushed them to death. It was not immediately clear where the other deaths occurred.

Social media reports said tremors were felt in cities such as Guayaquil, Quito, Manabi and Manta.