The 2016 Ecuador earthquake occurred on April 16 at 18:58:37 ECT with a moment magnitude of 7.8 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). The very large thrust earthquake was centered approximately 27 km (17 mi) from the towns of Muisne and Pedernales in a sparsely populated part of the country, and 170 km (110 mi) from the capital Quito, where it was felt strongly. The regions of Manta, Pedernales and Portoviejo accounted for over 75 percent of total casualties. Manta's central commercial shopping district, Tarqui, was completely destroyed. There was widespread damage across Manabí Province, and structures hundreds of kilometres from the epicenter collapsed. At least 676 people were killed and 27,732 people injured. President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency; 13,500 military personnel and police officers were dispatched for recovery operations.
Ecuador's worst earthquake in nearly 40 years kills 676 and injures more than 230,000
Ecuador's worst earthquake in nearly 40 years kills 676 and injures more than 230,000.
On April 16, in the year 2016, Ecuador's worst earthquake in nearly 40 years kills 676 and injures more than 230,000. This event is recorded as a Historical Events event in the history of April 16, one of 433 recorded events on this date across all of history.
Key Facts
- This event took place on April 16, 2016 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Historical Events event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 8 January 2026.
On This Date in History 433
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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