Over the weekend, a devastating earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hit Ecuador and caused significant destruction across the country and neighboring Peru. As a result, at least 15 people have lost their lives, and hundreds more are injured. The emergency services are working tirelessly to rescue those in need, and Ecuador's Risk Management Secretariat has deployed its team to evaluate the damage in all provinces. Despite the widespread destruction, it was determined that the earthquake did not generate a tsunami on the continental and insular coast.

The earthquake has caused immense grief and fear among Ecuador's residents. The city of Machala, known as the "Banana Capital of the World," was hit particularly hard. Many of the buildings that collapsed were old and did not meet modern building standards, which is a concern in a country that is prone to earthquakes. The earthquake has left many residents feeling uneasy and afraid of potential aftershocks, prompting them to develop evacuation plans and educate themselves on how to protect themselves from future earthquakes.

The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, expressed his condolences to the government of Ecuador and assured them that the US stands with them as they begin the process of recovery. The Ecuadorian government has issued an emergency declaration covering affected areas and is offering to pay for the funerals of victims. However, this tragedy has also raised questions about the regulation of building conditions and safety standards in the country. It is imperative that Ecuador takes necessary measures to ensure that buildings are constructed according to safety standards and regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.