Ecuador declares state of emergency in provinces hit by earthquake, rains

FILE PHOTO: A family talks with neighbors near the damaged wall of their house following an earthquake in Isla Puna, Ecuador March 19, 2023. REUTERS/Maria Fernanda Landin

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency in 14 provinces worst affected by severe weather and a strong earthquake that shook the country over the weekend, the government said on Tuesday.

The measure adopted on Monday night will be in force for 60 days and will help authorities to mobilize economic resources to support the population and repair infrastructure.