• A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit near Ecuador's Pacific coast.
• The quake resulted in injuries and structural damage in several areas.
• No immediate deaths were reported, but tremors were felt across 10 provinces.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck near Ecuador's Pacific coast on Friday, with an epicenter about 13 miles northeast of Esmeraldas, occurring at a depth of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles), according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre. Tremors were reported to be felt in at least 10 provinces, stretching to the capital city of Quito, as residents experienced "some damages to houses" and power outages in affected areas, according to Al Jazeera and LA Times.

Initial reports indicate that the quake resulted in injuries to at least 20 people and damage to over 60 homes, a health center, and a military installation in Esmeraldas. Residents faced challenges, as some buildings suffered structural failures. Ecuador's risk management office confirmed that a tsunami alert was briefly issued but was later rescinded, according to Anadolu Agency and LA Times.

While local authorities work to assess the full extent of damages, including evacuations and assistance for those affected, President Daniel Noboa announced that humanitarian aid kits are being prepared for those impacted. Significant challenges are expected in the aftermath, reflecting Ecuador's history of seismic activity due to its location between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, as reported by Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.