Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes near coast of Ecuador

The epicentre of the quake which took place at about 6:45am local time (11:45 GMT) was near the Pacific coast of the northwestern city of Esmeraldas, at a depth of 30km (18.6 miles), said the EMSC. Tremors were reported in 10 provinces of the country, even as far as the capital, Quito. Aljazeera reported.

Images shared online show buildings visibly damaged in the earthquake. Damaged structures included 30 homes, a health centre and a military building, the facade of which partially collapsed, according to authorities.