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Ecuador rocked by 6.9 quake - USGS


    QUITO (Reuters) - A strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Ecuador near the centre of the Andean country on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey and local media said.

    Although its magnitude was strong enough to cause major damage, the quake occurred deep beneath the earth's surface, meaning its impact would be far less than a shallow quake. There was no word yet of injuries or damage.

    Some residents in the capital Quito felt the quake as did residents in northern parts of neighbouring Peru, witnesses and local radio reported.

    Ecuador is an OPEC nation, but there was no immediate reports of damage to the country's oil infrastructure or its crude production.

    The quake struck at 12:54 p.m. British time and was centred 87 miles (140 km) east of Ambato, at a depth of 115 miles (185 km). That is about 140 miles (225 km) southeast of the capital, Quito.

    The USGS initially reported the quake as 6.7 magnitude, then revised the strength to 7.2, before putting the figure at 6.9.

    The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said that a tsunami did not appear to be generated, based on historical models.

    (Reporting by Vicki Allen; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Frances Kerry)