Strong tremor rattles Ecuador and neighboring regions
One person lost their life in a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck the coastal region of Ecuador, very close to the port city of Guayaquil. Officials from the National Risk and Emergency Management Service reported the fatality as a result of an electric discharge from downed power lines near the epicenter in the Guayas province, within the Simón Bolívar municipality. In the same area, three homes were damaged—one in Samborondón and two in Guayaquil city.
A health center in Guaranda, the capital of the Bolivar Andes state, along with three facilities in Guayaquil, were reported affected by the quake. The National Risk and Emergency Management Service noted that the tremor was felt across 17 of Ecuador’s 24 provinces, with some accounts indicating the event was also perceived in parts of northern Peru.
Following the quake, which was strongly felt in Quito, the Emergency Operations Committee of Guayas State convened in the presence of the president. The president urged calm and requested that information be sought through official channels, assuring that every affected family would be cared for. This statement was shared on the president’s official social media channels.
The Geophysics Institute of the National Polytechnic School reported the tremor occurred at 17:30 local time, which is 22:30 UTC, at a depth of 58 kilometers. It originated in the subduction zone where the Nazca plate dives beneath the South American continental shelf, with the epicenter located near Samborondón at approximately 2.04 degrees south latitude and 79.87 degrees west longitude. The Navy Oceanography Institute noted that there are no indications of a potential tsunami associated with this event.
Geological context explains that the region lies along the Pacific subduction zone where tectonic plates collide, a common source of intense seismic activity. Ecuador sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of seismic activity that accounts for the majority of the world’s earthquakes. This belt affects coastal areas across the Americas and parts of Asia and Oceania, underscoring the persistent risk in the region.
Authorities emphasized rapid assessment and response efforts to ensure public safety, with ongoing monitoring of aftershocks and infrastructure checks. Residents were urged to follow official guidance, seek safe shelter during aftershocks, and stay informed through authorized channels to avoid misinformation. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness in coastal nations prone to seismic events and the critical role of early warning and emergency management systems in mitigating harm.