Overview of the Earthquake Incident
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas on Friday, causing injuries to at least 20 people and damaging around 60 homes, according to the latest report from Ecuador’s National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR).
Key Details of the Earthquake
- The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers near Esmeraldas, close to the Colombian border.
- It was felt in 10 of Ecuador’s 24 provinces, including Manabí, Los Ríos, Guayas, and Pichincha.
- The SNGR reported no additional risks, such as landslides or further damage, following the earthquake.
Immediate Response and Impact
Ecuador’s President, Daniel Noboa, ordered the establishment of shelters and distribution of humanitarian aid kits. He expressed support for the affected communities, stating, “The government is with you, and together we will move forward.”
The state-owned oil company, Petroecuador, temporarily halted operations at the Esmeraldas refinery and the Trans-Ecuadorian Oil Pipeline (SOTE) due to recent damages. Fortunately, the area where a crude oil spill occurred on March 13 did not show any additional effects from the earthquake.
Aftermath and Historical Context
Approximately 20 minutes after the initial earthquake, another magnitude 4.1 tremor shook the coastal Guayas province in southwestern Ecuador, at a depth of 86 kilometers.
Ecuador is situated on the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent seismic activity. The country recently commemorated the anniversary of a devastating 2016 earthquake that struck Manabí and Esmeraldas coasts. With a magnitude of 7.8, this earthquake resulted in 673 fatalities and left around 6,300 people injured.
Community Response and Recovery
In the aftermath of the recent earthquake, residents in Esmeraldas navigated through debris-filled streets and attempted to clear fallen walls from damaged buildings. Former presidential candidate Yaku Pérez, who was in Esmeraldas to present a book at a university, described the earthquake as “very strong and prolonged,” lasting about half a minute.
As the community works together to recover from this event, it is crucial to remember their resilience in the face of frequent seismic activity and natural disasters.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the magnitude of the earthquake? The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3.
- How many people were injured? At least 20 people sustained injuries, including head wounds.
- How many homes were affected? Approximately 60 homes suffered damage.
- What actions did the Ecuadorian government take? The president ordered the establishment of shelters and distribution of humanitarian aid kits.
- What is the significance of Ecuador’s location? Ecuador lies on the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, leading to frequent earthquakes.
