(CNN) At least four people died after a magnitude A 6.8 earthquake struck southern Ecuador on Saturday afternoon, the country’s government said in a statement.
The earthquake struck near the southern town of Baláo and was more than 65 km (almost 41 miles) deep, according to the United States Geological Survey.
One person died in the town of Cuenca, in the province of Azuay, when a wall collapsed on their car, and another three people died in Jambelí Island, in the province of El Oro, when a security fell. camera tower, authorities said.
The USGS gave the earthquake an “orange alert,” saying “significant casualties are likely and the disaster is likely to be widespread.”
“Past events with this alert level required a response at the regional or national level,” the USGS added. It also estimates possible damage and economic loss.
Relatives of a CNN producer in the tThe western port city of Guayaquil said they felt “very strong” tremors.
CNN affiliate Ecuavisa reports on structural damage to buildings in Cuenca, one of the country’s largest cities. The historic city is on the UN list of world heritage sites.
There is no tsunami warning in effect for the area, according to the US National Weather Service.
The airports of Guayaquil and Cuenca remain open and operational, the country’s statement said.
CNN’s Christina Maxouris and Marlon Sorto contributed to this report.