01 Jul 2017 | 12:39 AM UTC
Ecuador: 6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes offshore June 30
6.0 magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of Ecuador on June 30; no major damage reported
Event
A powerful offshore earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Ecuador at 22:20 (local time) on Friday, June 30. The epicenter is situated approximately 30 km (20 mi) northeast of Bahia de Caraquez. Tremors were felt more than 200 km (125 mi) away from the epicenter, including in the port city of Guayaquil and the capital, Quito.
No reports of damages or casualties have emerged at this early stage but given the magnitude of the earthquake significant destruction is possible.
Context
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the same region off the coast of Ecuador in 2016, causing nearly 700 deaths and approximately USD 3 billion worth of damage.
Advice
Individuals in the area are advised to closely monitor the situation, to adhere to any instructions or advice issued by the local authorities, and to be prepared for aftershocks.
