Quake toll rises to 350 as search continues in Ecuador

Ecuador’s earthquake death toll rose to 350 as traumatised survivors rested amid the rubble of their homes and rescuers dug for survivors in the Andean nation’s shattered coastal region.

More than 2,000 were also injured in Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude quake, which ripped apart buildings and roads and knocked out power along the Pacific coastline.

Giving the new tally of fatalities from Portoviejo town inside the disaster zone, Ecuador’s socialist president Rafael Correa said he feared the number would rise even further.