Death Toll after Ecuador Earthquake Rises to 587

Of the total deaths, 539 bodies have been identified and returned to their families, while another 48 still need to be identified, according to the Attorney General's Office in the latest report released on its website on Thursday.

The Attorney General also recorded 29 foreigners among the dead, including Colombians, Cubans, Canadians, Brits, an Italian, a German and an Irishman.

Manabi is the worst-hit province. The greatest number of deaths was in the city of Manta with 183 dead, followed by Pedernales with 172.

According to the country's president Rafael Correa, 5,733 people were injured and 160 are still missing.

The quake took place Saturday at 18.58 local time (23.58 GMT) between the coastal resorts of Cojimies and Pedernales in Manabi province.

After the disaster, the Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Manabi, Guayas, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Los Rios and Santa Elena.