World News
Home > World News
Strong earthquake off coast of El Salvador
TIWN
TIWN
PHOTO : TIWN
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP), May 30 (TIWN)— A strong earthquake hit off the coast of El Salvador early Thursday, sending frightened residents running out of their homes in the predawn hours. Authorities said a small tsunami was possible.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.6. Its epicenter was about 17 miles (28 kilometers) south-southeast of La Libertad, a suburb of the regional capital, Santa Tecla, and it was recorded at a depth of 65 kilometers (40 miles).
Via Twitter, El Salvador's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources warned of a possible tsunami and advised people to stay away from the Pacific Ocean for the next four hours.
The ministry said sea level variations of up to 30 centimeters (11 inches) were possible along the length of El Salvador's coast.
It reported that seven aftershocks of between magnitude 4.1 and 5.0 were recorded.
The earthquake was felt strongly in the capital, San Salvador. People left their homes with flashlights, and power was knocked out in at least some areas.
Firefighters said they were monitoring various areas but did not report any damage or injuries. Classes were canceled in coastal areas as a precaution.
Add your Comment
Comments (0)
More World News
- Pakistan unlikely to figure prominently on Trump's foreign policy radar
- Harris will continue the fight: Biden
- Melania expresses optimism about US' future after husband Donald Trump's win
- Inability to provide minimum security: India cancels consular camps in Toronto
- Harris congratulates Trump, assures him of peaceful transfer of power