(CNN) At least four people died after the magnitude The country’s government said in a statement that a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Ecuador on Saturday afternoon.
The earthquake occurred near the southern city of Balao and was more than 65 km (about 41 miles) deep. According to the United States Geological Survey.
One person was killed when a wall collapsed on a car in the city of Cuenca in Azuay province, and three others were killed when a security camera tower collapsed on Zambeli island in El Oro province, officials said.
The USGS gave the tremor an “Orange Alert”, saying “significant casualties are expected and the disaster is potentially widespread.”
“Past events with this alert level have required a regional or national level response,” the USGS said. Also estimated damages and economic losses were possible.
relative of a CNN producer TeaThe western port city of Guayaquil said they felt “very strong” tremors.
CNN affiliate Equivisa reported structural damage to buildings in Cuenca, one of the country’s largest cities. The historic city is on the list of United Nations World Heritage Sites.
According to the US National Weather Service, there is no tsunami warning for the area.
The country’s statement said the airports in Guayaquil and Cuenca remained open and operational.
CNN’s Christina Maxoris and Marlon Sorto contributed to this report.