Ecuador: Earthquake is the worst tragedy in 60 years.

(Baonghean.vn) - The earthquake that struck Ecuador on the night of April 16, killing more than 440 people, is considered "the worst tragedy in the last 60 years," according to Defense Minister Ricardo Patiño on April 19.

It will take Ecuador a year to recover from the earthquake disaster.

Mr. Patiño announced on media channels that the death toll from Saturday's earthquake had risen to 443, with more than 4,000 injured.

This is a lower death toll than earlier reports from the national news agency, however, Patiño warned that the number could still rise as the search operation continues.

"We are continuing to search for victims in the rubble," Patiño told reporters. "It will take us a year to restore everything from the ashes."

Ricardo Peñaherrera, a representative of Ecuador's national emergency management office, said the hardest-hit area was the coastal city of Manabi, where around 200 people died.

Popular tourist destinations in Ecuador such as Manta, Portoviejo, and Pedernales also suffered heavy damage, with many buildings in ruins and roads damaged by landslides.

A survivor in the Pedernales area told CNN: "We thought this was the end of the world. The earthquake was so strong and we couldn't get up. If it had happened any other way, we could have died."

The earthquake survivors are now extremely worried about the difficulties they will face, especially unemployment. "We are waiting to see what we can do next and waiting for assistance from the President."

Ecuador has deployed 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers to the earthquake-affected areas. Hundreds of rescue workers from eight countries have arrived in Ecuador to carry out relief operations.

Mobile hospitals and temporary shelters have been set up in many areas. The military has also brought in sniffer dogs to search for survivors in the rubble.

However, obtaining relief in the affected areas is facing several challenges.

"The lack of water and information is a major problem," Peñaherrera told CNN. "Many highways are in poor condition, especially in mountainous areas, due to recent heavy rains which are preventing aid teams from reaching people."

Thanh Hien

(According to CNN)