A 7.8 magnitude quake hit Ecuador yesterday, causing widespread devastation and killing at least 77 people and injuring 570.
A state of national emergency has been declared in the country, as infrastructure and utilities have been badly hit.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) originally categorized the quake at a magnitude of 7.4, then raised it to 7.8. The epicenter occurred at a depth of 12 miles, and at least 36 aftershocks followed. Ecuador residents have been warned of further aftershocks in the coming days.
The quake is the strongest to hit the area since 1979.
