Ecuador earthquake leaves mother and son from Quebec dead

A mother and her 12-year-old son from Quebec were among the more than 350people killed in Saturday'searthquake in Ecuador, according to Global Affairs Canada.

Jennifer Mawn and Arthur Laflammewere with family membersinside their apartment when the earth began to shake, causing the ceiling to collapse, a family friend told Radio-Canada.

The father, Pascal Laflamme,and the couple's daughterwere slightly injured.

• Uncle recounts Quebec family's last moments before Ecuador earthquake

In all, Ecuador's president said Monday, the death toll has risen to at least 350,and is sure to go much higher. Another 2,700 people were injured.

The Quebec family moved to Ecuador last fall.

Global Affairs Canada told CBC News it was not able to release further details for privacy reasons and out of respect for the victims' families.

The earthquake, which reached 7.8 magnitude, rocked the Latin American country on Saturday night.

'The biggest earthquake I ever felt'

"It's probably the biggest earthquake I ever felt," said ZacharyRobichaud, a former Montrealerwho was inIbarra, 115 kilometres northeast of Quito, when it struck. He isownerof theCasaQuebecuarestaurantin the country's capital ofQuito.

Robichaudsaid he put his two children in the tub to keep them safe until the shaking stopped. Everyone in his family is unhurt.

Robichaud, who has lived in Ecuador for nine years, said hisrestaurantsuffered little to no damage,but "a lot of people are in a bad situation right now.

"The whole country is in a state of emergency," he said.

Robichaud told CBC News that several country houses were damaged and businesses had to be evacuated.

"We really felt it. It gave us a good scare," said QuebecerLouis St-Jacques, a construction manager in the port townof Manta, Ecuador.

It's probably the biggest earthquake I ever felt.- Zachary Robichaud, Ecuadorrestaurant owner formerly from Montreal

St-Jacques told Radio-Canadahe felt less severe aftershocks later in the night.

An initial tsunami warning was lifted.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau andMinister of Foreign Affairs Stphane Dion extended their condolences to loved ones of the victims.

"Canadian officials at our embassy in Quito are reaching out to Canadian citizens in-country and providing assistance to Canadians affected by the earthquake,"Dionadded in a statement.

Global Affairs Canada is advising againstnon-essential travel to the provinces of Esmeraldas, Los Rios, Manabi, Santa Elena, Guayas and Santo Domingo on the northwestern coast of Ecuador.