QUITO: A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed 41 in Ecuador, sending high-rises swaying in the country’s biggest city of Guayaquil and knocking out power in much of the capital Quito, authorities said.
A tsunami warning was issued for local coasts but there were no immediate reports of casualties. “There is considerable (structural) damage in the area near the epicenter as well as points as far away as Guayaquil,” the Geophysical Office (IG) said.
President Rafael Correa on a visit to the Vatican, sent a message of support on Twitter.
“Authorities are already out evaluating damage and taking action” as needed,” he said.
Vice President Jorge Glas also said on Twitter that a national emergency committee had been activated.
“I am on the way to the national emergency center to coordinate operations nationwide. We will keep you informed,” he said.
With a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles), the quake struck at 2358 GMT about 173 km west-northwest of Quito and just 28 kilometers south-southeast of Muisne, the US Geological Survey said.
“Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 kilometers of the earthquake epicenter,” the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.
Buildings swayed in Quito but authorities did not immediately report injuries or damage. The strong movement was felt in northern and southern parts of the metro Quito area, knocking out electricity in many areas.
At the airport in the port city of Guayaquil passengers awaiting flights dashed out of terminals when they felt the shaking. “Lights fell down from the ceiling. People were running around in shock,” said Luis Quimis, 30, who was waiting to catch a flight to Quito.
