Injuries as strong quake hits Nicaragua

Managua: A shallow 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit Nicaragua close to several cities, including the capital, injuring 14 people and damaging dozens of houses.

The strong quake yesterday struck at 5:27 pm local time (0457 IST Friday) at a depth of 10 kilometres (six miles), according to the US Geological Survey. The epicentre was 18 kilometres from Larreynaga and 50 kilometres north of the capital Managua, USGS said. Government spokeswoman Rosario Murillo said 14 people were injured and 89 homes damaged. Nagarote, a town on Lake Managua 30 kilometres from the epicentre, was hardest-hit, officials said, while people fled their homes in panic in several towns and cities including in the capital.