Since the earthquake of 16 April, there have been 2,900 aftershocks (IGEPN, December 13). On 12 December nine aftershocks were registered in the coast of Atacames canton, Esmeraldas province. The strongest aftershocks happened between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. of 4.9 and 5.1 in the Richter scale respectively, with a depth of 5Kms approximately (IGEPN, December 12). The National Oceanographic Institute of the Marines (INOCAR) informed that there is not a tsunami alert in the Ecuadorean coasts (IGEPN, December 12).
The Emergency Operations Committee (COE) of Esmeraldas led by the Province’s Governor was immediately established to assess the situation. The Cantonal COEs of the Esmeraldas city and Atacames were convened by their Mayors and continue to be alert.
No lives have been lost. Around 15 buildings in Atacames canton and five in Tonsupa parish have been damaged. Yesterday school was suspended, so that infrastructure assessments can be carried out. So far, six schools in Atacames and its surroundings will need to be repaired as well as the Cantonal Hospital that has damages in its infrastructure. In neighboring Muisne canton, where the aftershocks were felt as well, there are still five government- run camps operative where 1,895 people are living (MICS, 13 December).
