Ecuador Struck By Another Earthquake Days After Stronger Earthquake Took Almost 500 Lives

First Posted: Apr 21, 2016 06:57 AM EDT
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A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit 44 miles off the Pacific coast town Esmeraldas in Ecuador last Wednesday, days after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Saturday that killed almost 500 people.

News Daily reports that the latest earthquake terrified the inhabitants again; rescuers have stopped searching for possible survivors from the bigger earthquake. "You can't imagine what a fright it was. 'Not again!' I thought," said Maria Quinones from Pedernales town.

The 6.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the area at around 3:33 a.m. local time was followed by series of aftershocks, according to Ecuador's Geophysical Institute. On the other hand, no tsunami warning was issued.

President Rafael Correa said that the first earthquake caused $2 billion to $3 billion in damages, according to  New York Daily News. Ecuador has an oil-dependent economy. It has lower oil revenue, making 16 million people face a non-zero growth and lower investment.

President Correa said that they are looking at the possibility of issuing bonds in the international market; tax reform is also being discussed. During a nationally televised address on Wednesday night, the president also announced some short-term tax changes to help Ecuador recover. The value added tax (VAT) is currently 12 percent.

Meanwhile, after the bigger earthquake, some communities, especially in isolated areas, were struggling without power, water and transport, despite the help coming in. The roads were destroyed, slowing down the delivery of supplies. The stadiums became aid distribution area centers and morgues. You will see children holding placards with the message such as "Food, please."

Many experts and foreign aid workers helped the victims of the tragic calamity. There is also 14,000 security personnel keeping the place in order; no looting is reported. On the other hand, the rescuers were losing hope of finding other survivors even though some people are begging to find their missing relatives.

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