Three Major Quakes Hit South America Within An Hour Including 6.3 Magnitude In Ecuador

Ecuador Earthquake: Quito and Guayaquil hit by earth tremor in ring of fire

THREE major earthquakes have hit South America within just one hour, including a massive 6.3 magnitude tremor which hit Ecuador’s capital Quito.

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile whilst another at 5.5 strength occurred on the Columbia/Panama border.

The quakes have been confirmed by the USGA, who monitor earthquakes.

It’s epicentre was to the east of Guayaquil, the most populous city in the country.

Ecuador resident Nancy Miorelli tweeted: “My building wiggled sufficiently all the way north in Quito.”

Any earthquake over 6 is categorised as ’Strong’ on the Richter Scale, which measures earthquake strength.

The earthquake took place at a depth of 93 kilometres.

Over two million people live within 100 kilometres of the earthquake.

Ecuador borders the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ which is susceptible to earthquakes.

The ‘Ring of Fire’ is surrounded by oceanic trenches and volcanic arcs, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Approximately 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes take place in the region.

It is not known if there have been any casualties.