Ecuador earthquake kills at least 12

CNN
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At least 12 people have died after a greatness A magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit southern Ecuador on Saturday afternoon, government officials said.

The earthquake struck near the southern town of Baláo and was more than 65 km (nearly 41 miles) deep, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Eleven people died in El Oro province and one person died in Azuay province, according to the Ecuadorian president’s communications department. In an earlier statement, authorities said the person in Azuay was killed when a wall collapsed on a car and at least three of the victims in El Oro died when a security camera tower went down. fallen.

Those injured were being treated in hospitals, the presidency added, but did not provide further details.

The USGS gave the quake an “orange alert”, stating that “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”.

“Past events at this alert level have required a response at the regional or national level,” the USGS added. He also felt that damage and economic loss were possible.

Relatives of a CNN producer in youhe western port city of Guayaquil said it felt “very strong” tremors.

CNN affiliate Ecuavisa reported structural damage to buildings in Cuenca, one of the country’s largest cities. The historic city is in the United Nations list of World Heritage Sites.

There is no tsunami warning in effect for the area, according to the US National Weather Service.

Guayaquil and Cuenca airports remained open and operational, according to the country’s statement.