On Friday, April 25, 2025, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the coastal province of Esmeraldas in northwestern Ecuador, causing significant damage and injuries. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometers around 6:45 a.m. local time (11:45 GMT), and its epicenter was located approximately 8.4 km from the city of Esmeraldas, which is near the Colombian border.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the tremors were felt across 10 of the 24 provinces in Ecuador, reaching as far as the capital city, Quito. The National Secretariat for Risk Management of Ecuador has reported that at least 30 people have been injured due to the quake, with the latest updates indicating that nearly 180 homes were destroyed.
Eyewitness accounts describe the earthquake as a powerful event. Yaku Pérez, a former presidential candidate who was in Esmeraldas at the time, stated, "It felt very strong... It seemed like an eternity for us." He noted that as he exited a building, he observed several small houses that had been destroyed.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, residents were seen navigating through the streets while avoiding debris, including fallen walls from buildings. The earthquake also disrupted electricity and telecommunications networks, and affected infrastructure such as a bridge and roads, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Shortly after the main quake, seismologists recorded an aftershock measuring 4.1 in magnitude, occurring in the Guayas province, further adding to the concerns of local residents. Fortunately, the Ecuadorian Oceanographic Institute (Inocar) quickly ruled out the possibility of a tsunami, although they warned of minor fluctuations in sea levels.
This seismic event comes just days after Ecuador commemorated the devastating earthquake of 2016, which had a magnitude of 7.8 and resulted in 673 deaths and approximately 6,300 injuries. The recent quake serves as a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as Ecuador is situated on tectonic plates that frequently generate earthquakes.
President Daniel Noboa, who was recently re-elected on April 13, 2025, announced via social media that the government is implementing emergency shelters and distributing humanitarian aid kits to those affected. He reassured citizens, stating, "The government is with you," as the nation faces the immediate challenges posed by the earthquake.
The national oil company Petroecuador also suspended operations at its Esmeraldas refinery, which produces 111,000 barrels of oil per day, as a precautionary measure. This refinery has faced challenges in the past, including damage from a previous incident in March that resulted in a significant oil spill.
The recent earthquake highlights the ongoing risks faced by Ecuador due to its geographical location. Pablo Palacios, a technician from the Geophysical Institute, explained that the quake was a consequence of the subduction process of the Nazca Plate, a common cause of seismic activity in the region.
As the country grapples with the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the focus will be on recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of its citizens. With the support of local and national authorities, communities are rallying together to address the damage and provide assistance to those in need.
In the days to come, more information is expected to emerge regarding the extent of the damage and the recovery efforts initiated by the government and humanitarian organizations. The resilience of the Ecuadorian people will be tested once again as they navigate the challenges posed by this natural disaster.
