Magnitude-5.1 quake rattles Ecuador's capital; 2 deaths reported

QUITO, Ecuador — A magnitude-5.1 earthquake shook Ecuador's capital and surrounding areas Tuesday, causing tall buildings to sway and sending some people rushing into the streets. The government said two people were confirmed dead and eight injured outside Quito.

The Department of Risk Management said the casualties were in the Catequilla area 7 miles (12 kilometers) north of the capital near the country's monument marking the Equator. It did not say how the deaths and injuries occurred.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered 14 miles (23 kilometers) northeast of Quito at a depth of 4 miles (7 kilometers).

There were no reports of widespread damage, but officials said some roads were 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.