Devastating pictures of the destruction caused by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Ecuador

At least 272 people died and over 2,000 were injured after a powerful 7.8 magnitude quake shook part of Ecuador on Saturday.

The earthquake struck the coastal region of the country, where buildings collapsed, roads were ripped apart, and the power was knocked out, according to Reuters. The desperate search for survivors has been continuing through the night as hundreds more are still missing.

Ecuador deployed 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers to the affected areas, according to CNN.