Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes near coast of Ecuador
Al JazeeraMAY 6
Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Rattles Ecuador
Above: A family stands in front of a damaged house after the earthquake that struck the city of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, on April 25, 2025. Image copyright: Julio Galarza/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The earthquake's impact on critical infrastructure and widespread power outages has severely disrupted daily life and economic activities and created an immediate humanitarian crisis. These challenges require swift government intervention, including supporting affected communities through recovery.
Narrative B
Ecuador, known as the "Country of Earthquakes," lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly seismic. Its tectonic activity results in frequent tremors and occasional devastating quakes — and when they strike, there's often little that can be done but to stay safe and prepared.