Quakes hit Japan and Ecuador again

Quakes hit Japan and Ecuador again

Both Japan and Ecuador have been hit by earthquakes again, just days following the countries suffered devastating quakes.

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Ecuador, centred 70km off the Pacific coast town Esmeraldas at a depth of 10km. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said, not far from the epicentre of Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude quake.

Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute said a 6.2 magnitude earthquake at 3.33 local time (0833 GMT) was followed by a series of after-shocks. There was no tsunami warning.

Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude quake killed 480 people, left another 107 missing, and injured more than 4600. Hundreds of homes were destroyed and roads torn up in a major blow to the South American OPEC country’s already fragile economy.

Meanwhile an earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude has struck off northeastern Japan, also just days after strong quakes struck the south of Japan late last week killing nearly 50 people.

There was no immediate tsunami warning, or reports of damage or casualties however survivors are struggling with shortages of food and water.

The US Geological Survey said Wednesday’s quake was centred 104km east southeast of Sendai, Honshu, near where a devastating quake and tsunami struck in March 2011. It was 51km deep.

Those travelling to the affected areas are urged to contact their local travel agent for more advice on cancellations and changes to travel plans.

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