PERU: Massive property damage was reported from the earthquake that shook Peru and Ecuador Saturday, Ecuador’s presidency said adding that atleast 13 died and was one injured.
The quake, which the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured at magnitude 6.8, struck at a depth of 66.4 km (41.3 miles) about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from the city of Balao in the province of Guayas.
Its epicenter was in the Ecuadoran municipality of Balao, near the border with Peru, authorities added. The Ecuadoran navy also ruled out tsunami threat.
“Emergency teams are mobilizing to offer all their support to those who have been affected,” said Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso in a tweet.
Hernando Tavera, head of the National Seismological Center of Peru, assured RPP radio that “there is no significant damage to the structure or people” in the country.
As per social media reports, the tremor was also strongly felt in other cities including Guayaquil, Quito, Manabi and Manta. While Peru reported less damage indicting less tremors were felt here. A first aftershock of magnitude 4.8 was recorded in Balao, Ecuador.