At least 272 people died and over 2,000 were injured after a powerful 7.8 magnitude quake shook part of Ecuador on Saturday.
The earthquake struck the coastal region of the country, where buildings collapsed, roads were ripped apart, and the power was knocked out, according to Reuters. The desperate search for survivors has been continuing through the night as hundreds more are still missing.
Ecuador deployed 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers to the affected areas, according to CNN.
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The country appeared calm except for some unconfirmed instances of looting and theft, according to Reuters.
Many Ecuadorans have been forced to sleep in the street amid the rubble, as their houses have been destroyed. Some slept outside on mattresses and plastic chairs, while police and soldiers patrolled the streets and rescue workers continued their search for survivors.
Some residents also slept under makeshift tents outside of emergency emergency centres.
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