Photos From Ecuador Show Devastation After The Deadly Earthquake

It was the most powerful earthquake in the South American nation in decades.

Ecuador is reeling from a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Saturday, killing at least 235 people and injuring over 1,500. It is the worst quake to hit Ecuador in decades, and threatens to further hurt the nation's already struggling economy.

A state of emergency was declared in provinces across the nation, while areas along the country's coast -- where there was briefly a tsunami warning following the quake -- have been especially hard hit. Mayor Gabriel Alcivar of the coastal town of Pedernales told local media of collapsed buildings and devastation, saying that the town desperately needed food and medicine.

Aid groups including the Ecuador Red Cross and World Vision are rallying to help those affected by the quake, and nations including Mexico and Venezuela have pledged to send teams and supplies. Skype has also offered free calls to landlines and cell phones in the nation for "the next few days."

Ecuador's government has mobilized over 13,000 of its security forces following the disaster.

The photos below give a glimpse at the extent of the damage in the nation, and the efforts of rescuers searching for those still trapped in the rubble.

JOSE SANCHEZ L/Getty Images
People gather next to a collapsed house in Guayaquil on April 17, 2016. The earthquake devastated homes and left rubble in the streets.
JUAN CEVALLOS/Getty Images
A fallen building after a 7.8-magnitude quake in Portoviejo, Ecuador, on April 17, 2016.
MARCOS PIN MENDEZ/Getty Images
People resting in a park after an earthquake in the city of Guayaquil on April 17, 2016.
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Rescue workers work to pull out survivors trapped in a collapsed building after the huge earthquake struck, in the city of Manta early on April 17, 2016.
JUAN CEVALLOS/Getty Images
A vehicle squashed by rubble after the 7.8-magnitude quake in Portoviejo, Ecuador, on April 17, 2016.
JOSE SANCHEZ L/Getty Images
A collapsed house is seen in Guayaquil on April 17, 2016. Hundreds were killed in the quake.
JUAN CEVALLOS/Getty Images
View of a damaged building in Portoviejo, Ecuador, on April 17, 2016.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters
Damage seen in the Tarqui neighborhood in Manta, Ecuador, April 17, 2016.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters
People react after an earthquake struck off Ecuador's Pacific coast, at the Tarqui neighborhood in Manta on April 17, 2016.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters
Red Cross members arrive at Eloy Alfaro Airport after an earthquake struck off Ecuador's Pacific coast, in Manta on April 17, 2016.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters
Damaged homes in the Tarqui neighborhood in Manta on April 17, 2016.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters
Devastated houses in the Tarqui neighborhood in Manta on April 17, 2016.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters
A collapsing building is pictured after an earthquake struck off Ecuador's Pacific coast, in the Tarqui neighborhood in Manta on April 17, 2016.
JUAN CEVALLOS/Getty Images
View of a car squashed by rubble after a 7.8-magnitude quake in Portoviejo, Ecuador, on April 17, 2016.
Guillermo Granja / Reuters
Firemen work after an earthquake struck off Ecuador's Pacific coast, in the Tarqui neighborhood in Manta on April 17, 2016.
JUAN CEVALLOS/Getty Images
View of rubble after a 7.8-magnitude quake in Portoviejo, Ecuador, on April 17, 2016.

Before You Go

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