CRI听力:Earthquake Kills at Least 246 in Ecuador

The 7.8 magnitude quake struck off the Pacific coast on Saturday and was felt across the Andean nation of 16 million people, causing panic as far away as the highland capital, Quito, and collapsing buildings and roads in a swath of western towns.

President Rafael Correa rushed home from a trip to Italy to supervise the emergency operations.

Coastal areas nearest the epicenter were worst affected, especially Pedernales, a rustic tourist spot with beaches and palm trees, which appeared to have been largely flattened.

But Glas said there was no risk of a tsunami.

"There is not a tsunami alert.　Second, there is no damage in water facilities.　Third - safety of the citizens is the most important thing.　Don't go into the rubble and try to recover your belongings."

Authorities said there were 163 aftershocks, mainly in the Pedernales area. A state of emergency was declared in six provinces.

The quake has piled pain on the economy of OPEC's smallest member, already reeling from low oil prices, with economic growth this year projected at near-zero.

Glas says Ecuador is working with other countries to coordinate international aid.

"We are also coordinating international aid. I am very grateful for the solidarity and rapid response of friends - Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Spain, the European Union - at this time, as well as others, that have committed to providing specialized rescuers in working with tools and technology and nutrition during this kind of situation."

The government said about 13,500 security force personnel were mobilized to keep order around Ecuador, and 600 million dollars in credit from multilateral lenders was immediately activated for the emergency.

The government called it the worst quake in the country since 1979. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 600 people were killed in that disaster, with 20,000 injured, .

The government said oil production was not affected, but closed its main refinery of Esmeraldas, located near the epicenter, as a precaution. It's understood production is likely to restart soon.

For CRI, I'm Spencer Musick.