Ecuador Rescue Op Continues as Quake Death Toll Reaches 272

Local Editor

A rescue operation was underway in Ecuador after the South American nation was hit by its worst earthquake in decades, which saw at least 272 people killed and hundreds injured, and left many others trapped under the debris.

The death toll had risen to 272, with more than 2,500 people injured in the earthquake, according to Ecuadorian Vice-President, Jorge Glas.

Around 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers were assigned to assist the rescue workers and maintain order.

Venezuela, Mexico and Chile are sending personnel and supplies to Ecuador as part of the international aid effort.

There were 135 aftershocks registered in the Pedernales area after Saturday’s quake, the Ecuadorian authorities said.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team