At least 233 people have been killed after a powerful earthquake hit Ecuador.

The magnitude 7.8 quake struck yesterday evening and was felt as far away as neighbouring Colombia.

Some 10,000 troops and 3,500 police have now been deployed in the affected areas.

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa Has declared a state of emergency and has called on his country to be "calm and united".

Meanwhile, Ecua-visa reporter Rafael Hernandez says the survivors are facing a very tough time ahead: