The Russian Emergencies Ministry will send humanitarian aid to Ecuador, hit by a powerful earthquake, the ministry’s press service told TASS.

"Under the ruling of the president, Russia will deliver humanitarian aid to Ecuador," the press service said. "An Il-76 aircraft is getting ready for takeoff to Ecuador", TASS News Agency reported on Thursday.

The ministry will deliver some 30 tons of humanitarian aid, including foodstuffs, mobile power plants and tents.

A magnitude 7.8 quake occurred in the evening of April 16 near the town of Pedernales in the country’s northwest, claiming more than 400 lives. Its epicenter was located at a depth of 20 kilometers.

A number of South American countries, including Bolivia, Columbia and Venezuela, have already sent to Ecuador rescuers and humanitarian aid.

Source ; MENA