A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Esmeraldas, Ecuador, on Friday, injuring at least 20 and damaging numerous homes. A shallow aftershock followed. Emergency services are responding, power is out in several areas, and operations at local oil facilities have ceased as a precaution. President Noboa has pledged support for affected citizens.
A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 struck the Esmeraldas province of northwestern Ecuador early on Friday morning, injuring at least 20 individuals, according to government reports. The tremor occurred at 6:44 a.m. local time with a depth of approximately 14.3 miles, as stated by the European Mediterranean Seismological Center. Shortly thereafter, at around 7:09 a.m., a smaller aftershock of magnitude 3.8 was recorded about 25 minutes after the initial quake.
The epicenter of both quakes was located roughly 33.7 miles from the town of San Lorenzo. In response to the tremors, the Navy’s Oceanographic Institute quickly ruled out any risk of a tsunami. Nevertheless, as images circulated on social media, the extent of damage to homes and businesses became clear. In total, about 540 individuals were displaced from their residences across four cantons in Esmeraldas.
Reports from the National Electricity Corporation indicated significant power outages affecting various neighborhoods in the area. The company noted, “Our technicians, supported by specialized vehicles, continue working to normalize the medium-voltage supply in the pending sectors.” Meanwhile, the state oil company, Petroecuador, suspended operations at its Esmeraldas refinery and the SOTE pipeline as a precautionary measure after the earthquake. However, further details regarding the impact on production have not been disclosed.
In addressing the situation, President Daniel Noboa took to social media, stating that ministers would be on the ground in Esmeraldas to establish shelters, distribute aid kits, and assist those in need. Mónica Segovia, the director of the Geophysical Institute, explained to Ecuavisa television that the earthquake was attributed to seismic activity linked to the Nazca plate, which underlies much of the Pacific region. She elaborated, “It penetrates beneath the continent and at some point this movement is more abrupt and instantaneous, precisely where seismic waves are produced.”
In addition to the aftershocks, the Geophysical Institute measured a separate 4.1 magnitude earthquake in Guayas province, located 218 miles south of Esmeraldas. This tremor reportedly reached a depth of 53.4 miles. Despite the fear and uncertainty surrounding the seismic events, Segovia noted, “People were very confused at first, where the earthquake was. In fact, they were two different earthquakes.”
As the region begins to assess the damage, reports indicate that at least 135 homes suffered significant damage due to the quakes. Local authorities and emergency services continue to clear debris and assist affected residents.
In the aftermath of the 6.8 earthquake in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, a significant number of injuries and extensive property damage have been reported. Local authorities are engaged in relief efforts, while vital services like electricity and oil operations are being stabilized after suspensions. The seismic activity appears linked to movements of the Nazca plate, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters. Overall, the situation remains dynamic as recovery efforts continue amid ongoing assessments.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
