On 18 March at 12:12 local time (17:12 UTC), an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 hit the locality of Balao, in the province of Guayas in Ecuador's coastal area. The earthquake was also felt in other coastal provinces, including El Oro, Manabí, Los Ríos, Santa Elena, and in the Andean province of Azuay.

According to the latest data from the Ecuador Risk Management Secretariat, the earthquake has resulted in the death of 14 people and has left 446 injured. The disaster has caused significant damage to buildings, with 84 houses completely destroyed and 180 partially destroyed. The earthquake has also affected around 80 schools and 33 health centres.

Assessments are currently underway, and the number of casualties and damage is expected to rise. The National Emergency Operations Committee has been activated and is being led by President Guillermo Lasso to coordinate the response to the disaster. Additionally, local Emergency Operations Centres have been activated to provide support to those affected by the earthquake.

The earthquake has caused panic among the local population, who were seen fleeing from their homes and taking shelter in open areas. Rescue teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to search for survivors and provide aid to those in need.

This earthquake is the latest in a series of natural disasters that have hit the South American nation in recent years. In 2016, a massive earthquake killed more than 600 people and caused widespread destruction in the provinces of Manabi and Esmeraldas.

The Ecuadorian government has appealed for international aid and assistance to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake. It is hoped that international aid will help the country recover from this latest disaster and provide much-needed support to those affected.