Second earthquake in a month rocks Quito; no delay to school start, officials say

The second strong earthquake in a month injured several people and knocked out utilities in some areas of Quito Sunday night. The 4.6 magnitude quake occurred at 7:22 p.m. and was centered in the same location as a August 9 earthquake, about 11 kilometers northeast of the city, close to the international airport.

Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute said there is “cause for concern” because the two quakes occurred in the same position at approximately the same depth. “Frequently, such recurrences signal a larger event and we will investigate that possibility,” an institute statement said. The August 9 earthquake also registered 4.6 on the Richter Scale.

According to early reports from emergency services, at least nine people were injured, several by broken glass. They also reported damages to structures in areas east of Quito and reported that some roads were blocked due to landslides. Power was lost in a large area of the Tumbaco valley but most service was restored by midnight.

The airport reported no damage and said flights were continuing on schedule.

School authorities said that schools would open on schedule this morning in most areas.