Strong earthquake in Ecuador: destroyed houses and caused significant power outages

A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake has struck the town of Esmeraldas in northwestern Ecuador, injuring at least 20 people and causing severe damage to many buildings.

The BBC has confirmed the news.

The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said the tremors struck at a depth of 30km off the coast of Ecuador at 6:44 am local time.

The quake damaged homes and public buildings, caused widespread power outages, and temporarily halted some oil refineries.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said he had dispatched all government ministers to the affected area to coordinate the installation of temporary shelters, the delivery of relief supplies, and assistance to residents.

Resident Andres Mafere, walking to the port, described hearing a loud bang and a brief jolt. “I ran like crazy, and when I got home, I saw that my house was destroyed,” he said.

According to official figures, about 80% of households were without electricity.

The national oil company Petroecuador reported a temporary shutdown of one of its oil refineries in Esmeraldas.

Myanmar also witnessed a rare geophysical phenomenon: liquefaction, which turns soil into a liquid or semi-liquid state under the influence of an earthquake. This phenomenon occurs when soil loses its strength and structural integrity due to vibrations that cause changes in its water regime. It can lead to significant destruction in areas of the earthquake’s epicenter.