Ecuador earthquake: Deaths rise to 272

At least 272 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1,500 people injured after Ecuador was hit by its most powerful earthquake in decades.

Some 10,000 troops and 3,500 police are being deployed in the affected areas, as rescue operations continue.

The magnitude-7.8 quake struck on Saturday evening.

Coastal areas in the north-west were closest to the epicentre and officials say the death toll is likely to rise as information begins to come in.

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa has cut short a visit to Italy to deal with the crisis.

He has declared a state of emergency and said the priority is finding survivors.

"Everything can be rebuilt, but lives cannot be recovered, and that's what hurts the most," he said.
 BBC
18/4/16
--
-
Related:

• Ecuador earthquake: Deaths rise to 235 

• Deadly earthquake hits Ecuador. A state of emergency was declared (Depth 10 km, local time: 18:58) 

• A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck off the northwest Pacific coast of Ecuador late on Saturday, causing "considerable damage" near the epicenter as well as in the commercial hub of Guayaquil, the government said.