7.8 magnitude earthquake rocks Ecuador, tsunami alert issued

Washington D.C.: A powerful earthquake with a 7.8 magnitude hit the coast of northwest Ecuador today, following which a tsunami alert has been issued for Ecuador and Columbia.According to CNN, the tremor was recorded at a depth of 19.2 kilometres.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for Ecuador, warning of waves that could reach 1 meter above tide level.

According to reports, power outages were being reported across the region, with a total blackout in Santo Domingo and power outages in parts of the capital Quito.A magnitude-6.9 earthquake had struck Ecuador in August 2010.