Ecuador: one dead in southern city Cuenca after strong quake jolts

At least 12 people were killed, one was wounded and buildings were damaged in a powerful earthquake that shook Peru and Ecuador Saturday. The quake, which the United States Geological Survey put at magnitude 6.8 and a depth of nearly 41 miles, struck at 12:12 local time.

Its epicenter was in the Ecuadoran municipality of Balao, near the border with Peru. Destroyed buildings, crushed vehicles and debris could be seen in some cities in Ecuador and the tremor was also strongly felt in other cities. No casualties or major damage has been reported in Peru so far, where the quake appears to have been less intense.  Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso urged people to remain calm and to be informed through official channels.