Death toll due to the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Ecuador yesterday has risen to 77. Vice President Jorge Glas has confirmed the death toll. He said, it was the worst seismic movement they have faced in decades. He said, a state of emergency was declared in the six worst-hit provinces. He said, Police, the military and emergency services are in a state of maximum alert to protect the lives of citizens. President Rafael Correa, on a visit to the Vatican, sent a message of support on Twitter. He said, authorities are already out evaluating damage and taking action as needed.
Authorities said, the massive earthquake destroyed buildings in the capital Quito. They said, terrified residents dashed from their homes. The US Geological Survey said, the quake struck about 170 km from Quito. Various smaller quakes jolted the same area.
In the Pacific port city of Guayaquil, home to more than two million people, a bridge had collapsed, crushing a car beneath it. Ecuador’s Geophysical Office reported considerable structural damage in the area near the epicenter as well as points as far away as Guayaquil. Authorities closed the airport in the western city of Manta, saying the control tower suffered severe damage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the earthquake in Ecuador. In his message, Mr Modi hoped that the injured recover at the earliest and damage to property and infrastucture is minimal. He said his thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ecuador.