December 12, 1953 Earthquake: Peru-Ecuador

On December 12, 1953, at 12:31 [local time] there was a destructive magnitude 7.3 earthquake [3.4 S, 80.6 W] in the northwest regions of Peru and the southern regions of Ecuador. It was felt over an area of about 700,000 sq km. The zone of major destruction covered an area of 5,000 sq km. Here cracks up to 50 meters long appeared in the swampy grounds. Mud and water fountains gushed up in different places. Small landslides came down. Modern reinforced concrete buildings were damaged; some brick and many adobe homes were destroyed. The superhighway cracked. The earthquake lasted 30-40 seconds. Six people died at Tumbes and Corrales and 20 were injured. It was difficult to remain on one's feet (7-8 degrees). The earthquake caused dizziness far from the epicenter. A tsunami developed with an amplitude of 1 m (3 feet) at Talara. (reference #415)

Reference #45 lists Dec. 12, 1953, 17:31:22 UTC, 3.5 S, 81 W, 7 killed, 20 injured and 200 buildings destroyed in Tumbes, minor damage at Guayaquil, Ecuador, magnitude 7.4.

Reference #1208 lists Intensity IX, magnitude 7.8.

Reference #1111 lists Intensity VIII, magnitude 7.7.