Earthquake kills 233 in Ecuador, devastates coast zone

By Guillermo Granja MANTA, Ecuador (Reuters) - The death toll from Ecuador's biggest earthquake in decades soared to at least 233 on Sunday as rescuers using tractors and bare hands hunted desperately for survivors in shattered coastal towns. President Rafael Correa, who was rushing home from a trip to Italy, said the confirmed number of fatalities rose on Sunday to 233. Coastal areas nearest the quake were worst affected, especially Pedernales, a rustic tourist spot with beaches and palm trees.