6.7-magnitude quake rocks Ecuador; no casualties

A powerful quake shook Ecuador on Friday, provoking scenes of panic especially in the coastal city of Guayaquil, although no casualties or damages were reported initially.

According to preliminary information cited by the El Universo newspaper of Guayaquil, the quake occurred at 03.13 GMT and lasted for 35 seconds, "rocking tall buildings with significant force."

The United States Geological Survey registered the quake at 6.7 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was in the coastal province of Manabi, where a 4.3-magnitude quake occurred the day before.

First Published: Nov 16, 2007 11:15 IST