2023 Guayas earthquake

2023 Guayas earthquake
UTC time2023-03-18 17:12:52
ISC event625890953
USGS-ANSSComCat
Local date18 March 2023 (2023-03-18)
Local time12:12 ECT (UTC-5)
Magnitude6.8 Mw
Depth68.0 km (42.3 mi)
Epicenter2°51′04″S 79°48′00″W / 2.851°S 79.800°W / -2.851; -79.800
TypeOblique-slip
Areas affectedEcuador and Peru
Max. intensityEMS-98 VI (Slightly damaging)
Casualties18 dead, 495 injured

A strong earthquake struck southern Ecuador on 18 March 2023. It measured 6.8 on the moment magnitude scale, and struck with a hypocenter 68.0 km (42.3 mi) deep. The epicenter was located in the Gulf of Guayaquil, off the coast of Balao Canton and about 80 kilometres (50 mi) south of Guayaquil. There was major damage, 446 injuries and 18 fatalities in Ecuador's El Oro, Azuay and Guayas provinces. Two additional fatalities and dozens of injuries were reported in Peru.