ESMERALDAS: An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck near the coastal region of Ecuador late on Saturday, damaging buildings and striking down light poles on highways.
The quake was at a depth of 40km, with its epicentre 9km south-southeast of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.
Videos and images shared on social media showed partially collapsed buildings and some damage inside a hospital after the temblor. Another video showed the earthquake shaking buildings and a car, driving panic-stricken dogs out into the street.
Reuters has not verified the footage. There were no immediate reports of injuries.