The epicentre of the 7.8 magnitude quake was on the coast, although tremors were also felt in the capital Quito.

A state of emergency has been declared in six provinces, Esmereldas, Los Rios, Manabi, Santa Elena, Guayas and Santo Domingo following the eruption.

Ecuador’s main tourist attraction, the Galapagos Islands, has escaped damage according to reports.

However, Guayaquil, the main departure point for the islands on the mainland, was hit, although a spokesperson for Journey Latin America said the airport was still open.

“We have been in contact with our suppliers and the airport is still running,” she said, adding that none of JLA’s clients had been injured. She said communication was gradually being restored and that more would be known later.

The UK Foreign Office also reports that electricity is being “systematically restored” in the country.