A devastating 7.8 magnitude quake rocked Ecuador's northwest coast on Saturday, leaving more than 40 people dead. Several hundreds were injured.

The powerful quake, at a depth of nearly 20 km, was located at 27 kilometers from the coastal town of Muisne in Esmeraldas province. It struck at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET).

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The national government has declared a state of emergency in six provinces including Esmeraldas.

The country's Vice President Jorge Glas, in a televised statement, confirmed that at least 41 people have been killed.

"Sadly the information we currently have is that 41 citizens have lost their lives in this emergency," Glas said.

He added that the death toll is expected to rise in the coming hours.

"It's very important that Ecuadorians remain calm during this emergency," he appealed.

Strong tremors were also felt in Ecuador's capital Quito. It  affected electricity and phone networks in several areas of the city. Pani- stricken residents reportedly rushed out of their houses after feeling the tremors.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), however, said that the tsunami threat from the quake has now mostly passed.

"The Tsunami threat from this earthquake has now mostly passed. Any remaining threat should be evaluated by local authorities in impacted areas," the Center in a release on Sunday. 

Tagsearthquake, Ecuador, Muisne, USGS, Tsunami, Video