This plate boundary occasionally produces large megathrust earthquakes along the west coast of South America.

[7][8][9] This was similar to what was observed in Sumatra, Indonesia in the beginning of the 21st century with multiple earthquakes rupturing the Sunda subduction zone rather than in one large event.

However, in the city center, a post-disaster survey found heavy damage to reinforced concrete structures that corresponded to intensity VIII–IX (Severe–Violent).

Three tall reinforced concrete structures and a number of buildings single or double story-tall suffered a complete collapse.

[14] Three additional structures had beams on their first floors so badly rendered that supports had to be installed immediately before they could be repaired or demolished.

[12] The location where the strongest intensity was felt in Guayaquil is just west of the Guayas River, and south of Cerro Del Carmen.

[12] This local geological setting amplified seismic waves as it propagated which worsened the strength of strong ground motion in the city.

In the Naranjal Canton, large fissures formed in the ground which allowed a "foamy liquid" to erupt.