WASHINGTON (AA): At least 77 people have been killed in a strong 7.8-magnitude earthquake off Ecuador’s northern coastal town of Muisne, Ecuadorian vice president and the U.S. Geological Survey said Sunday.

The quake struck at 6.58 p.m. local time (2358 GMT) Saturday, some 27 kilometers (17 miles) southeast of Muisne.

Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas confirmed the deaths of 77 people as reports of widespread damage and casualties continued to pour in from several areas of the country.

Glas warned the public about expected aftershocks and urged them to take necessary precautions. After the strong quake, a tsunami warning was also issued.

According to the local media, the National Guard has also been mobilized.

Meanwhile, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa abandoned his official visit to Italy and decided to head back.

Ecuador is located in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Author Hatice Kesgin

[Ecuador Map. CIA Map for public domain]