The disturbing looting and prison break following the Ecuador earthquake.

Looting and looting occurred in several areas of Ecuador following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake; a wall collapsed at a prison, leading to a prisoner escape.

Police transport coffins to the city of Pedernales for burial of victims who died after the earthquake - Photo: Reuters

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said on April 18 that the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 16 had killed at least 413 people, injured 2,600, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

"Reconstruction after the earthquake will cost billions of dollars," said Correa upon arriving in Portoviejo, the city hardest hit by the earthquake.

The earthquake severely impacted Ecuador's economy, at a time when the country's economic growth, which is dependent on oil and exports, was projected to be near zero in 2016 due to falling oil prices.

Many people are still living without electricity and lacking essential supplies and relief goods. Thousands of people are living in makeshift tents or sleeping next to collapsed houses.

Rescue workers dig through the rubble, searching for victims trapped inside - Photo: Reuters

Looting occurred in several areas. In Portoviejo, many people stole clothes and shoes from damaged buildings; police arrived promptly to control the crowds. Armed men robbed two trucks carrying water, clothing, and essential supplies intended for aid to residents in the coastal town of Pedernales.

Approximately 130 prisoners escaped by climbing over collapsed walls at El Rodeo prison, and police only managed to recapture 35 of them.

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa (center) directs rescue efforts in the city of Portoviejo - Photo: Reuters

Neighboring Latin American countries have deployed nearly 400 rescue workers to assist Ecuador. The Ecuadorian government has called this the most severe earthquake in the country since 1979. In 1979, an earthquake claimed the lives of 600 people and injured 20,000 others in the country.

According to Thanh Nien newspaper