New York – April 21, 2016 – Ecuador experienced a 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Saturday, April 16, at 6:58 p.m. The epicenter of the quake was located off the Pacific coast of the state of Manabí and mainly affected coastal areas. Population centers in Ecuador’s highlands farther inland, such as capital city Quito, experienced tremors, but to a much lesser degree.

The country’s Ministry of Tourism reported that tourism infrastructure located in areas not significantly affected by the earthquake — such as the Amazon, Andes and Galapagos — including all airports, accommodations, tour operation and ground transport, remain open and fully operational, and are catering to tourists.

Quito itself is also fully operational, including its international airport, Mariscal Sucre (UIO), and the city’s public services: water, power, telephone service, internet service and public transportation.

Mauricio Rodas Espinel, Quito’s mayor, has communicated that the earthquake affected six (6) dwellings in the city; three (3) of them are in the southern district, which is outside the traditional tourist areas. Sixteen (16) people have been evacuated to municipal shelters. At this time, damage to heritage spaces in Quito’s Historical District Center is being evaluated.

“It’s so incredible to watch Ecuadoreans come together like this,” said Rodas. The mayor and his wife have been leading an initiative to gather aid packages at the city’s former airport and load them onto trucks.

“We are relieved to be in such good condition, but our hearts go out to our fellow citizens at this time,” says Quito Mayor Mauricio Rodas.  “The best way to assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts is to embrace foreign visitors.”

Rodas urged international visitors to not cancel their travel plans to Quito but to be sure to register with their local embassy upon arrival in the city in case of any future emergency.