An earthquake measured at a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 has rattled Ecuador's capital and surrounding areas, causing tall buildings to sway and sending people scurrying into the streets.
The US Geological Survey said the quake which occurred yesterday was centred 14 miles (23 kilometres) northeast of Quito at a depth of 4 miles (7 kilometres).
There were no early reports of injuries or severe damage, but officials said some roads had been blocked by small landslides. Authorities halted operations at the capital Tababela airport as a precaution because of a thick layer of dust thrown up into the sky around Quito.
