At least 12 dead after 6.7 magnitude earthquake rattles Ecuador

ISTANBUL - A strong earthquake struck Ecuador on Saturday, killing at least 12 people, according to the country's Risk Management Secretariat.

The 6.7 magnitude quake, which was also felt in Peru, struck near the southern town of Balao at around 12.12 pm local time (1712GMT) and was more than 65 km deep, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Eleven deaths were in El Oro and one in Azuay province, Anadolu Agency cited authorities.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no threat of a tsunami.

President Guillermo Lasso urged residents to remain calm as officials assess the damage. People who were injured were being treated at hospitals, he added. - BERNAMA