A Comprehensive Report on Ecuador’s Deadly Earthquake on March 18th, 2023
On March 18th, 2023, a powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 hit a coastal region of Ecuador and northern Peru, causing significant damage and the loss of lives. The earthquake 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. The earthquake caused significant structural damage in several provinces of Ecuador, leading to multiple fatalities, and disrupting oil production in the region.
Fatalities and Damage
The quake caused four fatalities, and several people were injured in the affected areas. Ecuador’s Secretariat of Risk Management reported that a wall collapsed onto a vehicle in the city of Cuenca, leading to one fatality. In the community of Machala, three people were killed, and multiple structures collapsed, including a two-story home and a wharf. Multiple communities suffered power cuts, and the earthquake caused significant structural damage in two other provinces, including a collapsed wall in a supermarket. The heavy impact of the earthquake led the state-run oil company Petroecuador to evacuate and suspend activities in multiple facilities out of precaution, but no damage was reported by the company.
No Threat of Tsunami
Although the earthquake was severe, the authorities ruled out the possibility of it generating a tsunami. Nevertheless, people living in the coastal region were asked to remain vigilant and stay in touch with official channels for updates and information.
Aftershocks
The initial quake was followed by two weaker aftershocks within the hour, according to the Geophysics Institute of Ecuador. These further disrupted the region and caused additional panic among residents.
Impact on Peru
Peruvian authorities reported that the earthquake was felt in the country’s northern region, but no immediate reports of harm to people or structures were made.
Actions Taken
Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso called for calm in the affected regions and urged people to stay informed through official channels. The Secretariat of Risk Management went into action to mitigate the impact of the earthquake and coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Petroecuador also took precautions to protect its staff and facilities and resumed activities once the threat had passed.
Conclusion
The earthquake of March 18th, 2023, caused significant damage to several provinces in Ecuador and claimed four lives, causing widespread panic and anxiety among residents. However, quick response, and coordination between authorities, limited the damage and helped save lives. People living in the affected areas were asked to stay vigilant and informed, and authorities continue to monitor the region for any further seismic activity.#Magnitude #earthquake #shakes #Ecuador #deaths #reported #Reuters
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