Large landslide occurs after quakes in Kumamoto Pref. - The Japan News

A powerful earthquake struck Ecuador Saturday, killingat least 235 people and injuring more than 1,500.Theearthquake inthe South American country happenedafter a series of earthquakes struck Japan -- on theother side of the world.

President Rafael Correa was in Rome, Italy when thequake struck. He quickly returned home. He said thecity of Pedernales -- in Manabi Province is,in hiswords, destroyed. About 40,000 people live there.

Officials say they believe the number of dead willincrease as aid workers reach isolated areas.

The earthquake was felt 170 kilometers away in thecapital Quito. People rushed into the streets.

Luis Alberto Otero is a journalist in Quito. He told VOA that “everything moved.” He said, “I had to hold up theTV so it wouldn’t fall."

Otero added that residents of the capital city are usedto earthquakes, but he was scared because it lasted along time.

In Japan, a series of earthquakes and aftershocks caused the deaths of atleast 41 people in the southern part of the country. Eleven people are missing.

More than 800 people have been hurt since the first earthquake struck onThursday, causing buildings to collapse. It also caused fires and landslides.

Stronger earthquakes struck Friday and Saturday.

Officials believe people are trapped or buried under collapsed buildings orhomes. Strong aftershocks continue to be felt in Kumamoto Prefecture.Rescuers must also deal with harsh weather conditions.

On Sunday, the Japanese government sent 25,000 Self Defense Forcetroops to help people on the main southern island of Kyushu. The U.S. alsosent Marines and supplies to help.

Some small communities cannot be reached, so officials do not havecomplete damage reports.