Pope Francis said this Sunday “close” to the people of Ecuador, after the earthquake that shook the country and caused at least 15 deaths and extensive material damage also in neighboring Peru.
“Dear brothers and sisters, yesterday (Saturday) an earthquake in Ecuador caused many injuries and enormous damage. I feel close to the Ecuadorian people and I assure you of my prayers for the dead and all those who suffer”, said the Pope. speaking from the Apostolic Palace after the Sunday Angelus prayer.
The earthquake, which affected the border area between Ecuador and Peru, caused 15 deaths in the first country.
Peru also confirmed the death of a four-year-old girl in its territory.
The 6.5 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale occurred at noon this Saturday, with its epicenter in Ecuador, but it was also felt in the northern Peruvian region of Tumbes.
According to the Ecuadorian authorities, the earthquake left 381 injured, many evacuated with the support of the Army by air.
Official data from Ecuador show that 90 homes were affected, 44 destroyed, fifty educational units affected, as well as 17 public buildings, 20 private buildings, 31 health centers and one private building destroyed, in addition to a bridge.
Facade collapses, broken glass and cracks in walls, among other damages, were also reported.
Source: TSF
