www.DW.com
On Saturday March 18th, 2023 an earthquake hit southern Ecuador and Northern Pery killing at least 15 people and trapping others under rubble. The U.S Geological Survey reported that the earthquake was centered off the Pacific Coast with a magnitude of about 6.8. One of the victims died in Peru, while 14 others died in Ecuador, where authorities also reported that at least 126 people were injured.
Firefighters worked to rescue people while the National Police assessed damage, their work made more difficult by downed lines that interrupted telephone and electricity service. Ecuador’s government also reported damages to health care centers and schools. In Guayaquil, about 170 miles (270 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Quito, authorities reported cracks in buildings and homes, as well as some collapsed walls. Machala student Katherine Cruz said her home shook so badly that she could not even get up to leave her room and flee to the street.