6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Coastal Ecuador and Peru Border Region

A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck near Arenillas in Ecuador's El Oro Province on Tuesday evening, occurring at a depth of 83 kilometers. The quake caused strong and prolonged shaking felt across southern Ecuador, including in the city of Guayaquil, and parts of northern Peru near the border. Despite the intensity, no casualties or material damage have been reported so far, though residents expressed fear and concern on social media. Ecuador, situated along the boundary of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, frequently experiences seismic activity. The region remains alert for potential aftershocks following this event. This earthquake is a reminder of the country's vulnerability to significant seismic events, such as the devastating 7.8 quake in 2016 that caused extensive loss of life and damage.