Earthquake in Ecuador: More than 660 casualties

Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas said that by early afternoon the death toll was 77, while more than 588 people were injured. However, this is not the final casualty count.

Rescuers rescue survivors trapped in a collapsed house after an earthquake in Manta, April 16. Photo: AFP/ VNA

Continuing to update on the casualties and material damage after the terrible earthquake this morning, April 17 (Vietnam time), Vice President of Ecuador Jorge Glas said that by early afternoon of the same day, the number of victims was 77, while more than 588 people were injured. However, this is not the final casualty figure.

Earlier, VNA correspondent in South America quoted Vice President Glas as saying that people have been able to return home and the tsunami warning has been lifted. However, operations at many airports across the country are being suspended. The air traffic control station and many items at Eloy Alfaro International Airport in Manta city have been completely destroyed. Meanwhile, Carlos Concha Airport in Esmeraldas province bordering Colombia and Ulpiano Páez Airport in Santa Elena province were also severely damaged.

The Ecuadorian government has declared a state of emergency across the country. President Rafael Correa has cut short a visit to the Vatican to return to oversee the recovery effort following the earthquake, which is considered the strongest to hit the South American country in decades.

According to the US Geological Survey, there were at least 55 aftershocks following the earthquake, and the shaking was felt as far north as Peru. The quake caused power outages and phone service to go down in many areas. Walls in several buildings were cracked.

Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations Ernesto Samper expressed solidarity with the victims, President Correa and the people of Ecuador immediately after the earthquake news. Meanwhile, Director of the Peruvian Civil Defense Institute Alfredo Murgueytio said that the country had no human or property damage due to the earthquake.

Watch the earthquake clip in Ecuador:

According to News