Magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocks Ecuador

CNN
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A magnitude A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck near the southern town of Baláo In Ecuador Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The quake had a depth of more than 65 km (nearly 41 miles), according to the USGS.

The agency gave the quake an “amber alert” for “potential shaking-related fatalities”, saying “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”.

“Past events at this alert level have required a response at the regional or national level,” the USGS added. He also felt that damage and economic loss were possible.

Relatives of a CNN producer in youhe western port city of Guayaquil said it felt “very strong” tremors.

CNN affiliate Ecuavisa reported structural damage to buildings in Cuenca, one of the country’s largest cities. The historic city is in the United Nations list of World Heritage Sites.

There is no tsunami warning in effect for the area, according to the US National Weather Service.