QUITO, July 18 (Xinhua) -- A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit Ecuador's southwestern coastal province of Guayas early Friday, injuring dozens and causing minor property damage.

    According to the National Geophysics Institute, the quake occurred at 00:41 a.m. local time (0541 GMT) and its epicenter was located 310 km southwest of the capital city Quito.

    Many shanty towns along the Guayaquil River collapsed in the quake, local media reported. The government has pledged to provide aid and temporary shelters to those rendered homeless.

    Northern Ecuador was also hit by a mild earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale later on Friday. There are no reports of casualties or property loss so far.