The Ecuadorian government says the death toll from the country's biggest earthquake in decades has soared to 246, with more than 2,500 injured.

MANTA, April 17, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Debris of buildings are seen after an earthquake in the city of Manta, Ecuador, on April 17, 2016. The strongest earthquake to jolt Ecuador in decades has killed 233 people, the country's President Rafael Correa said on Sunday, as rescuers raced to dig out survivors trapped in the rubble. (Xinhua/Str)

The powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake striking off Ecuador's coast on Saturday has generated at least 189 aftershocks of various strengths. A state of emergency has been declared in six provinces, and 14-thousand army and public security personnel have been mobilized to affected areas.

Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.

President declares national emergency after quake

People in Ecuador ran barefoot into the streets to escape the deadly tremors as they watched their homes crumble to the ground. Locals are stranded in affected areas -- terrified of more aftershocks -- but have nowhere else to go.

Vice President: International aid to arrive in hours

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Ecuador's Pacific coast and was felt hundreds of miles away in the capital of Quito as well as in the large commercial city of Guayaquil, where some buildings have collapsed onto the streets.  One bridge collapsed on top of a car. The country's vice president says, humanitarian aid from neighboring countries will arrive in the coming hours. But nothing can be done to help those who lost their lives.

"We are working with all organizations and using all available resources to coordinate the international aid that will arrive in the next few hours from Venezuela and Mexico. And I have just received calls from Europe too," said Jorge Glas, Ecuadorean Vice President

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says tsunami waves reaching up to 1 meter above tide level are possible for some coastal areas. President Rafael Correa has declared a national emergency and urged coastal residence to leave their homes for higher grounds. Many people lost power and telephone services for several hours, but government officials say those services have now been restored.