Ecuador Earthquake: Death toll rises to 77, says Vice President Jorge Glas

At least 77 people were killed and hundreds injured by the powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Pacific coastline, Ecuador’s vice president said.

“At this moment, the number of confirmed deaths reaches 77,” Jorge Glas said early today, in his latest earthquake update. He said more than 588 people are injured.

The earthquake was felt late yesterday across Ecuador as well as in northern Peru and southern Colombia. Officials have declared a state of emergency in Ecuador’s six worst-hit provinces.