Ecuador's president to visit earthquake-affected areas following two powerful aftershocks

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa announced on Thursday that he will visit the earthquake-stricken coastal provinces of Esmeraldas and Manabi.

These two provinces were the most affected by the April 16 earthquake that measured 7.8 degrees on the Richter scale and killed at least 661 people.

Through his official Twitter account, the president said on Thursday he will visit Esmeraldas, the epicenter of two 6.8-magnitude aftershocks on Wednesday, the strongest tremors since the devastating earthquake over one month ago.

According to the latest figures, the two powerful quakes killed one person and wounded 85 others.

Correa also announced that he will visit the town of Cojimies in Manabi on Friday, an area that was "very affected by the aftershocks."

"The country reacted very well" to Wednesday's strong aftershocks, he said, urging the public to be prepared for more quakes that is over 6 magnitude.

After Wednesday's aftershocks, the COE, headed by Correa, adopted several measures, including suspending classes until Monday in Manabi and Esmeraldas.

The committee also banned mass gatherings such as sporting events and nightlife in bars and clubs "until further notice."

A special cabinet meeting due to take place on Friday and Saturday in the town of Pedernales, the epicenter of April's earthquake, was also called off.

On Thursday, 321 prisoners were evacuated and moved from two prisons in Manabi and Esmeraldas, according to Ecuador's Justice Ministry.

The South American country's Geophysical Institute announced that up until now, 1,564 aftershocks have been registered since April's quake.

Source: XINHUA