At least 14 people were killed and several injured after a powerful earthquake hit Ecuador and Peru.
Many buildings have been damaged in this incident, read the AFP report.
According to the US Geological Survey, the magnitude of the earthquake was 6.8 on the Richter scale.
At 12:12 local time on Saturday (March 18), the earthquake was felt at a depth of about 41 miles. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the municipality of Balao, Ecuador, on the border with Peru.
Ecuador’s presidential office reported 13 deaths. On the other hand, one person was killed in Peru, bordering Ecuador.
Ecuador’s presidential office reported several injuries. They are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso visited the spot.
Earlier, he appealed to the public to remain calm and informed about the official information regarding the damage to the buildings.
Note that in 2016, 673 people were killed in an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 in Ecuador’s western Manabi and Esmeraldas provinces.
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