A huge earthquake struck off the coast of Ecuador late on Saturday – sparking fears of killer waves along the coasts of the Ecuador, Colombia and Peru.
Ecuador’s government has declared a state of emergency in six states and told residents to leave coastal areas in case of rising tides following the quake.
It was the largest and most monumental earthquake to hit the country since 1979.
It follows a juggernaut trend of earthquakes to hit the Pacific since Thursday while a 6.1-magnitude shake also hit Tonga this morning.
Parts of Quito – the capital of Ecudor – were without power following the earthquake.
The government said the quake has caused “considerable damage” at the epicentre and other places – such as the country’s largest city, Guayaquil.
The national guard has been mobilised in a bid to keep order among the chaos.
The Peruvian Navy declared a tsunami alert for parts of Peru – which borders Ecuador.
Ecuador authorities issued a tsunami alert but lifted it during the night.
President Rafael Correa declared a national emergency and urged the Andean nation’s 16 million people to stay calm.
He said: “Our infinite love to the families of the dead.”
