ECUADOR COASTAL EARTHQUAKE

                                                                    Patricia Kebirungi    

Citizens view damages after the devastating earthquake

Over 246 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1500 others injured after Ecuador's Coast was hit by its most powerful earthquake in decades. At least 10,000 troupes and 13,500 police have been deployed in the affected areas while rescue operations are underway. The 7.8-magnitude quake struck on Saturday evening killing hundreds and devastating entire regions of the country. The president Rafael Correa who had to cut short a trip to Rome to return to Ecuador, said he expects the death toll to rise. Government officials say there are many people who are still missing. President Correa has declared a state of emergency saying their priority is finding survivors.