Death toll has risen to 246 in Ecuador following 7.8 magnitude temblor
The toll in the deadly 7.8-magnitude temblor that struck Ecuador on Saturday evening has risen to 246 on Monday, Vice President Jorge Glas said. Glas said as many as 2,527 were injured in the earthquake, that has generated at least 189 aftershocks of various strength. Ecuador, who has declared a state of emergency in six provinces, has mobilised around 14,000 army and public security personnel to the affected areas. On Sunday, Glas visited the affected cities of Manta, Pedernales and Portoviejo, in the northeastern province of Manabi, which has been difficult to reach due to damaged highways. Saturday's quake has been reported to be Ecuador's biggest since 1979. More than 130 aftershocks have followed.
