Ecuador's president announces economic measures in wake of killer quake

Ecuador's president has announced drastic economic measures, including an increase in some taxes and mandatory wage contributions, to deal with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that killed more than 500 people and injured over 5 000.

Rafael Correa, estimating that rebuilding could cost as much as $3bn, announced the measures in an address to the nation late on Wednesday.

Saturday's 7.8-magnitude quake was the worst to hit the South American country in decades, causing hundreds of buildings to collapse and damaging roads and other infrastructure in tourist areas.

The official death toll currently stands at 525, with 5 733 injured and 163 still missing.