A powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake has struck off the coast of Ecuado. The country's Vice President JorgeGlas says 28 people have been killed, based on preliminary information. A state of emergency has been declared nationwide.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was centered just off the coast, at a shallow depth of 19 kilometers. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meters above the tide level are possible for some coasts of Ecuador. Neighboring Peru has also issued a tsunami alert for the north of the country.