Georgia saddened by fatal earthquake in Ecuador

Georgia is offering its condolences to the people of Ecuador following a deadly earthquake that killed more than 270 people and injured hundreds of others.

Georgia’s Foreign Ministry issued a special statement that expressed the Georgian people’s "deep sorrow” over the tragedy.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia stands beside the government and people of Ecuador in this difficult time and shares the sorrow of the families and friends of those killed,” the statement read.

"We wish for a quick recovery for those who were injured.”

At least 272 people are confirmed dead and more than 1,500 people injured after the South American country was hit by its most powerful earthquake in decades. The magnitude-7.8 quake struck on Saturday evening.

Coastal areas in the north-west were closest to the epicentre and officials said the death toll was likely to rise as information continues to come in, BBC reported.