Ecuador: Minor damage following quake in Chimborazo September 6 /update 1

Event

Minor damage has been reported in parts of Chimborazo province after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit the area late on Thursday, September 6. According to the country’s Risk Management Secretariat, power outages are ongoing as of 23:30 (local time) in Puertas Negras, Guano, and Chunchi after electricity cables were knocked down. Some homes were also damaged and a landslide damaged a road. In Babahoyo (Los Ríos province) one person suffered a minor injury. Further details of damage are still emerging. According to Ecuador’s geological institute, at least five smaller aftershocks have been recorded in the area. Additional aftershocks are possible in the coming hours.

Context

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake hit at approximately 21:12 (local time) about 17 km (10 mi) southwest of Alasui at a depth of 93 km (58 mi).

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.

During an earthquake, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls, and do not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from any tall structures, such as buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.