Ecuador hit by new earthquake as death toll of first tremor raises to 525

ecuador earthquake — Two earthquakes have struck in the area in a matter of days Henry Romero/Reuters

A fresh earthquake has hit Ecuador days after a deadly tremor killed more than 500 people in the South American country. The magnitude 6.2 quake struck off the country's Pacific shores at around 3.30am local time on Wednesday (20 April), according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) located the epicentre at 25km west of the coastal town of Musine. It recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 6.1.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Up to 200 people are still missing following another major 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the same area on 16 April.

At least 525 people, including 11 foreigners, lost their lives in the incident, according to the national prosecutors office. More than 400 aftershocks have since rattled the region.