Ecuador earthquake death toll rises to 272

Some 272 people have been confirmed dead and over 1,500 people injured after Ecuador was hit by its most powerful earthquake in decades, according to international media.

The magnitude-7.8 quake struck coastal areas in the north- west of the country on Saturday evening, with president Rafael Correa declaring a state of emergency and saying the priority is finding survivors.

Rescue operations have continued with around 10,000 troops and 3,500 police deployed in the affected areas.

According to international reports, helicopters and buses are ferrying troops north, but their progress has been hampered by landslides and people are using their bare hands to try to dig survivors out of the rubble.

Colombia announced it was sending rescue teams with search dogs to the country, and its navy would carry water to the affected area.

The BBC adds that food and other essentials have been handed out and international aid is also beginning to arrive, with the first coming from Venezuela and Mexico.

The quake is Ecuador's largest since 1979, with over 130 aftershocks following the initial earthquake.