The 7-point-8 magnitude quake was centred near the north-western coastal town of Muisne.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
A tsunami warning was lifted on Saturday night (April 16), though residents were warned to seek higher ground.
Ecuadorean Vice-President Jorge Glas says an emergency response has been activated.
(Translated) "The entire public force is in a state of maximum alert to protect the lives of citizens. There are some zones in certain cities that do not have electricity as a result of tectonic movement. We are reestablishing the services. Strategic infrastructure also is being monitored."
A state of emergency has been declared in six provinces, and the national guard has been mobilised.
Carla Peralto is a resident of Boyaca (boy-ACK-uh) and told the BBC it was a terrifying experience.
"I never have feltsomething like that in my life, ever. It was so strong. I was feeling very, very scared. Because my things were falling. And then, suddenly, everything was dark . The light was off. And the only thing I was thinking was, God please, please stop that.. because maybe I (will) die today."
Hundreds of aftershocks have been reported and several countries are already sending international aid.
