Ecuador earthquake death toll rises to 654

The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Ecuador has risen to 654, officials said. The quake, the worst in nearly seven decades, injured at least 12,500 people and left another 58 people missing along the country’s Pacific coast. “These have been sad days for the homeland,” said a visibly moved President Rafael Correa during […]

The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Ecuador has risen to 654, officials said. The quake, the worst in nearly seven decades, injured at least 12,500 people and left another 58 people missing along the country’s Pacific coast. “These have been sad days for the homeland,” said a visibly moved President Rafael Correa during his regular Saturday TV broadcast. “The country is in crisis.”
Thousands of soldiers and police have been deployed throughout Ecuador to provide emergency relief, including temporary shelters and food.