A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Esmeraldas, Ecuador, injuring 20 people and damaging many buildings. The national oil company suspended operations at the local refinery. President Noboa is coordinating relief efforts following the quake, which had no tsunami risk. The tremor was felt across 10 provinces, reflecting the region’s seismic vulnerability.
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the Ecuadorian port city of Esmeraldas on Friday, resulting in at least 20 people injured and significant damage to structures in the area. Authorities reported that the tremor affected numerous buildings and cut power supply throughout the city. People in Esmeraldas felt the quake as a sudden and severe jolt, which was also perceptible in the capital, Quito.
Eyewitness accounts describe extensive destruction, including fallen walls and collapsed facades. An AFP reporter noted that families were left surveying piles of debris as they assessed the damage. In total, officials indicated that 60 homes, a health center, and portions of a military facility were impacted.
The national oil company, Petroecuador, announced a halt to operations at its Esmeraldas refinery and nearby pipeline. This refinery is notable, producing approximately 111,000 barrels per day, while the Transecuadorian Pipeline System handles around 360,000 barrels daily.
In response to the disaster, President Daniel Noboa, freshly re-elected, stated he was dispatching cabinet ministers to coordinate emergency shelters and the distribution of aid. He asserted via social media, “The government is with you, and that’s how it will be going forward.”
The quake occurred off the coast at a depth of about 35 kilometers (22 miles) shortly before 7:00 am local time (1200 GMT), as confirmed by the US Geological Survey. Thankfully, local authorities have declared that there is no tsunami risk associated with the quake. It is worth noting that Ecuador lies within a geologically active area where the Nazca and South American tectonic plates converge, often leading to significant seismic activity.
Reports indicate that the earthquake’s effects were felt across 10 out of 24 provinces in Ecuador, with no injuries reported in neighboring Colombia. This incident comes just after Ecuador marked the anniversary of a 2016 earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.8, resulting in 673 fatalities and thousands of injuries.
In summary, the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that hit Esmeraldas, Ecuador, has left a trail of destruction, injuring at least 20 people and damaging numerous buildings. As authorities respond with relief efforts, President Noboa is focusing on providing immediate assistance. The quake, which has no tsunami risk, highlights the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, given its position along the tectonic plates.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
