Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Kills At Least 28 In Ecuador

A powerful earthquake with magnitude 7.8 jolted the Ecuador on Saturday night. At least 28 people were killed in the quake, which was centered near the coast of Ecuador. Several others were injured and trapped. It said the earthquake struck at around 8:00 p.m. (0100 GMT) at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).

The country's vice president, Jorge Glas said that a state of emergency was now in effect and also added that because of possible tsunami risks, the evacuations in coastal areas are underway.

Jorge Glas in a televised address said, "Based on preliminary information, there are 16 people dead in the city of Portoviejo, 10 in Manta and two in the province of Guayas."

Further details are awaited.