Earthquake in Ecuador Leaves 480 Dead and Thousands Displaced as Government Declares State of Emergency

On Saturday, a powerful earthquake shook the region around Ecuador’s second-largest city, Guayaquil, causing panic among its 3 million residents. The U.S. Geological Survey reported an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 in the country’s coastal Guayas region.

The earthquake has caused significant damage to homes and buildings, and has resulted in the death of at least 480 people. The Risk Management Secretariat reported that one person died in the Andean community of Cuenca.

The Ecuadorian government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and has mobilized the military to assist with search and rescue operations. The government has also set up shelters for those who have been displaced by the earthquake.

The Ecuadorian Red Cross is providing medical assistance to those affected by the earthquake and is working with local authorities to assess the damage and provide aid to those in need. The international community has also offered its support to Ecuador in the wake of the disaster.