Aftershock rattles earthquake-hit Ecuador

A powerful magnitude 6.7 aftershock early yesterday rattled Ecuador near the Pacific coast area where a devastating earthquake hit a month ago, knocking out power and scaring still-traumatised residents as they slept but only limited damage was reported.

The US Geological Survey said that the quake’s epicentre was 35km from the town of Muisne. It struck before 3am local time and had a shallow depth of 32km below the earth’s surface.

President Rafael Correa said there was no tsunami alert and called on residents in Quito, where some residents poured into the streets, to return to their homes.