CNN
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at least 13 dead After an order of magnitude A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Ecuador Saturday afternoon, according to government officials.
The quake struck near the southern town of Baláo at a depth of more than 65 kilometers (nearly 41 miles), According to the US Geological Survey.
At least 11 people were killed in El Oro province and at least one in Azuay province, according to Ecuador’s presidential communications ministry. People in Azuay died when a wall collapsed on top of a car, and at least three victims in El Oro died when a security camera tower collapsed, authorities said in an earlier statement.
The injured were being treated in hospital, the president added, without giving further details.
The USGS issued an “orange alert” for the tremor, saying “significant casualties are likely and the disaster could be widespread”.
“Past events with this alert level required a regional or national level response,” the USGS added. It also estimated possible damage and economic loss.
Relatives of CNN Producer TonThe western port city of Guayaquil said they felt “very strong” shaking.
CNN affiliate Ecuavisa reported structural damage to buildings in Cuenca, one of the country’s largest cities. This historic city is included in the United Nations World Heritage List.
There are no tsunami warnings in effect for the area, according to the National Weather Service.
The country’s statement said the airports in Guayaquil and Cuenca remained open and operational.