Powerful Earthquake Hits Ecuador's Coast, Killing At Least 28

A powerful, 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador's central coast Saturday. At least 28 people were killed according to The Associated Press, citing Vice President Jorge Glas.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake at 4:58 p.m. local time, centered 16 miles (27 kilometers) southeast of Muisne, a sparsely-populated coastal town.

The quake rattled buildings and caused homes to collapse as far away as Ecuador's capital of Quito, 105 miles (170 km) from the quake's epicenter. Quito residents fled to the streets in panic, according The Associated Press.

"We have 16 people dead in the city of Portoviejo, 10 in Manta and two in the province of Guayas," Glas said at a news conference, reports BBC News.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cautioned the possibility of hazardous waves along the coasts of Ecuador and Colombia.