Shaken Ecuador hunts for survivors amid 7.8 quake debris
Updated: 2016-04-18 13:44
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||
Residents rest on a sidewalk after an earthquake struck off the Pacific coast, in Portoviejo, Ecuador, April 17, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] |
Leftist President Rafael Correa, who cut short a visit to Italy, surveyed the damage in the coastal province of Manabi on Sunday night.
"Ecuador has been hit tremendously hard," Correa said in a televised address, his voice breaking as he said he feared the death toll would rise from what he called a tragedy.
While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, the disaster will likely worsen the OPEC nation's economic performance this year.
The small, oil-dependent country has already been battered by the tumble in crude prices.
Its crucial energy industry appears largely intact after the quake, though its main refinery of Esmeraldas was closed as a precaution. However, exports of bananas, flowers, cacao, and fish could be slowed by ruined roads and delays at ports.
The quake could also alter political dynamics ahead of next year's presidential election.
Related Stories
Quake kills 262 along devastated Ecuador coast 2016-04-18 10:25
Earthquake kills at least 77 in Ecuador 2016-04-18 07:51
Earthquake in Ecuador kills 246, injures 2,527 2016-04-18 07:02
Earthquake kills 77 in Ecuador, devastates coastal area 2016-04-17 15:36
Ecuador quake death toll rises to 41 2016-04-17 12:50
28 killed in powerful 7.8-magnitude quake in Ecuador 2016-04-17 10:43
Today's Top News
Embryos growing in space a 'giant leap'
Russia to defend regional security jointly with China: deputy DM
Passage to piraeus
In the hall of the great frescoes
World Bank joins AIIB on financing for joint projects
GM seeds to get oversight
Russia-China ties benefit both countries, peoples
China, UK showcase best books in London
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Season of the locust eaters |
Humble bicyclist becomes Beijing nighthawk |
Chinese must adapt to UK 'study shock' |
Seeking stars from hollywood |
Riding on emotions |
When the Bard met his Chinese match |