Two dead in Ecuador earthquake

A rescue mission is underway in Ecuador after a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near the capital.

The moderate quake triggered small landslides which blocked roads and also shifted earth at a nearby quarry, covering parts of the city in dust.

At least two people were killed and several were injured.

Rescue workers are now trying to free anyone trapped in the debris.

An emergency response unit has been set up to monitor the worst hit areas.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) QUITO MAYOR, MAURICIO RODAS, SAYING:

"There was an earthquake today, August 12, at 2:57 pm measuring 5.1 on the richter scale with a depth of 5.1 kilometers and had a duration of 45 seconds."

Quito's main airport has returned to normal after earlier suspending operations as a precaution.

Ecuador is prone to earthquakes, lying along the seismically turbulent "Ring of Fire" area of the Pacific Ocean.