Earthquake in Ecuador

A powerful earthquake shook the South American nation of Ecuador on Thursday, but there were no reports of damage or injuries.

The magnitude-6.9 quake that hit at 6:54 a.m. (1154 GMT) was felt across much of the nation, including the capital, Quito.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake was centered 105 miles (170 kilometers) southeast of Quito. But it was also very deep — about 114 miles (190 kilometers) below the surface — a distance that might have blunted its damage.

At the Hotel Ambato, Ecuador the front desk reported the quake was felt and it shook up hotel guests who came down to the lobby, but there were no reports of damage.

A call to a small backpacker's hotel in the small town of Tena, which is east of Ambato, also reported that a quake was felt, but there were no damages there either.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that a tsunami did not appear to be generated, based on historical models.