In pics: Powerful earthquake hits Ecuador coast, tsunami warning issued

At least 41 people were killed by a strong 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck northwestern Ecuador on Saturday, the country’s vice-president Jorge Glas said.

At least 41 people were killed by a strong 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck northwestern Ecuador on Saturday, the country’s vice-president Jorge Glas said.

Residents walk on a street amid destroyed buildings following an earthquake in Guayaquil. (AFP Photo)

“We have 16 people dead in the city of Portoviejo, 10 in Manta and two in the province of Guayas,” he told a news conference. He added that a state of emergency had been declared nationwide.

Rescue workers stand beside a destroyed car after a bridge collapsed in an earthquake in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (AFP)

A man stands amid destroyed buildings in Guayaquil. Authorities urged people to evacuate coastal areas for fear of rising tides. (AFP)

Automobiles travel on a darkened street after the failure of electrical services. Parts of the capital were without power or telephone service, with many communicating only via WhatsApp. (AFP)

Patients and relatives wait outside the Colombia Clinic in Cali, Colombia after being preventively evacuated following a powerful earthquake that hit Ecuador. (AFP)

A police officer stands guard after patients and relatives were preventively evacuated from the Colombia Clinic in Cali. (AFP)

Patients and relatives wait outside the Colombia Clinic in Cali. (AFP)

People stand next to the debris of a building in Manta, Ecuador. The quake struck early evening at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles), and was felt all around the country. (REUTERS)

People take pictures of a collapsed bridge in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Alarmed residents streamed into the streets of the highland capital Quito, (AFP)

People take pictures of a collapsed bridge in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The USGS originally put the quake at a magnitude of 7.4 then raised it to 7.8. (AFP)

An hotel barely stands after an earthquake in the town of Manta, Ecuador. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said hazardous tsunami waves are possible for some coasts. (AP)