More than 262 people have been killed and 2,500 others injured in a 7.8-magnitude earthquake which struck the coast of Ecuador over the weekend.
The strong quake has reduced several buildings to rubble, including around 40 hotels, and toppled power lines. Six severely hit provinces have declared a state of emergency, ABC News reported.
Ecuador’s President, Rafael Correa, has urged the nation’s 16 million to remain calm while rescue teams work tirelessly to find and dig out trapped people.
Pray for Ecuador. The earthquake yesterday has deviated the country with over 200 confirmed dead ??? pic.twitter.com/0hQX89sgxd
— People (@PeopIe) April 18, 2016
“Our infinite love to the families of the dead.”
Rafael Correa, Ecuador President
Despite the severity of the quake, the country’s main airports continue to run as normal, including international gateway, Simon Bolivar which has flights arriving and departing today as scheduled.
KarryOn has contacted tour operators for information on disruptions and is awaiting comment.
“#Pedernales is devastated,” says the Mayor. “We need medicine, water and food to help people.” #EcuadorEarthquake pic.twitter.com/BMCqmqQ3NH
— UNICEF Australia (@unicefaustralia) April 17, 2016
Meanwhile, in the worst-hit town of Pedernales some 40 hotels have collapsed where “lots of tourists” were staying, according to the local mayor, Gabriel Alcivar.
Alcivar described the state of Pedernales as “devastated” and believes there are “lots of dead bodies” still yet to be recovered.
“Buildings have fallen down, especially hotels where there are lots of tourists staying. There are lots of dead bodies.”
Gabriel Alcivar, Mayor
“We need help. We need medicine, water and food to help people.”
Earthquake kills 235 in Ecuador, people still trapped. Reuters from Pedernales: https://t.co/59oECdUW3n pic.twitter.com/TQSpxFhXKO
— @ReutersVzla (@ReutersVzla) April 17, 2016
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) has maintained its overall level of advice for Ecuador at “exercise a high degree of caution”, however, has urged Australians in affected areas to follow the instruction of local authorities.
This page will be updated as more news comes to hand.
