An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale hits Ecuador

An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck southern Ecuador and affected Peru, killing at least 12 people and damaging several buildings, according to a preliminary assessment by the authorities of the two countries. The Ecuadorian authorities said that the earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.5, was recorded at 12:12 local time (12:17 GMT).