Vice President Jorge Glas says an earthquake has killed at least 77 people and injured more than 500 in Ecuador.
The powerful quake of 7.8 magnitude, which was Ecuador’s largest since 1979, hit at 18:58 on Saturday near the northern town of Muisne.
The mishap has led to an extensive destruction and also destroyed a bridge in Santiago de Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador.
Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa, who was flying back from a trip to Italy, has announced a state of emergency.
“This is a very painful test. I ask the country to be calm and united (and) let’s be strong, we will overcome this.
“Roads and hospitals can be rebuilt (but) you cannot recover lost lives. That’s what hurts the most,” the President said on BBC.
