Two Canadians who died in a magnitude-7.8 earthquake that killed more than 200 in Ecuador have been identified as a mother and son from Quebec.

Guy LaFlamme of Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., confirmed to CTV News that his nephew's wife, Jennifer Mawn, and her son, Arthur, were killed in the deadly quake.

LaFlamme said he spoke to his nephew, Pascal LaFlamme, and the couple's other child, Laurie-Ann, earlier on Sunday and they are OK.

Earlier on Sunday, Global Affairs Canada confirmed that there were two Canadian victims, but did not release any other information regarding their identities.

The department also said it is offering its support to their families.

The quake, which struck Saturday night, was the strongest to hit Ecuador in nearly three decades. It was centred about 170 kilometres northwest of Quito, the capital.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion issued a statement on Sunday, extending his “deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims” on behalf of the Canadian government.

“I am saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life stemming from Saturday’s devastating earthquake near the central coast of Ecuador, which has already cost the lives of at least 235, including two Canadians,” the statement said.

Dion said officials at the Canadian Embassy in Quito are reaching out to Canadian citizens known to be in the country.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also responded to the crisis, taking to social media to offer his support.

“The scope of the devastation in Ecuador is shocking,” the prime minister tweeted. “My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, including 2 Canadians.”

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said in a tweet that at least 233 people had died in the quake. Rescue workers are still trying to reach survivors trapped in the rubble. Officials earlier reported that 580 people had been injured.

Correa, who flew back from Rome to deal with the crisis, has declared a national emergency. Ecuador’s Vice-President Jorge Glas Glas said 10,000 armed forces and 4,600 national police have been deployed to help.

Anyone with information about Canadian citizens in Ecuador should contact Global Affairs’ emergency line at 613-996-8885 or 1-800-387-3124.

With files from the Associated Press