Nine earthquakes hit the north coast, closing schools and disrupting utilities

Nine earthquakes, ranging up to 5.2 in magnitude, caused minor property damage and forced schools to close Monday in Esmerladas Province. The quakes were centered just offshore from the tourist resort of at a depth of 2.3 miles.

The epicenter of Monday’s earthquakes.

Local authorities say no injuries have been reported.

Schools were ordered closed in the cities of Esmeraldas, Muisne and Atacames and parents were notified to pick up their children. The Ministry of Education said damage had been reported at some schools but had no other information to report.

Esmeralas Governor Gabriel Rivera reported that there have been distruptions of electric and water services in some areas and said further information would be provided as it is available. She said that all public offices remain open.

The north coast quakes follow two earlier ones on the south coast, in Guayas Province, the largest measuring 4.2 on the Richter Scale.