UPDATE - At least 12 dead after 6.7 magnitude earthquake rattles Ecuador

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL, ADDS MORE DETAILS

By Muhammed Enes Calli and Dilara Hamit

ISTANBUL/ANKARA (AA) - A strong earthquake struck Ecuador on Saturday, killing at least 12 people and damaging homes and buildings, according to the country's Risk Management Secretariat.

The 6.7 magnitude quake, which was also felt in Peru, struck near the southern town of Balao at around 12:12 p.m. local time (1712GMT) and was more than 65 km (nearly 41 miles) deep, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Eleven deaths were in El Oro and one in Azuay province, authorities said.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there is no threat of a tsunami.

President Guillermo Lasso urged residents to remain calm as officials assess the damage. People who were injured were being treated at hospitals, he added.​​​​​​​