Ecuador, April 19 , 2016 – The death toll in the earthquake that hit Ecuador, South America is now 413, government officials have said.
The earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale hit the South American country on Saturday, damaging buildings and social infrastructure. Most affected areas are El Carmen, Manta, Portoviejo and Pedernales.
Rescue operation is said to be ongoing late Monday, with six people, including two girls, a three years old and one other nine months old – were rescued from the ruins of a hotel near the coastal town of Manta.
“I fear that figure will go up because we keep on removing rubble. There are signs of life in the rubble, and that is being prioritised,” a government official said.
