US Secretary Kerry reaffirmed the United States’ support for Ecuador after it was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

In a statement released late Sunday, Kerry said: “We stand by the people of Ecuador in this difficult time and are ready to assist in any way we can." 

In its latest security messages to U.S. Citizens, both the U.S. Embassy in Quito and the U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil urged U.S. citizens in Ecuador who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their Social Media profiles. 

In the messages U.S. citizens traveling abroad were also urged to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov to receive all official messages and updates.

A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador's six provinces (Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo, Manab?, Guayas, Los R?os, and Santa Elena) along the western coast. While the majority of the country has power and cellular service, affected provinces may not have basic services restored, and there are many road closures.

Source : MENA