Injuries as strong quake hits Nicaragua

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

The strong quake struck at 5:27 pm (2327 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles), according to the US Geological Survey.

The epicenter was 18 kilometers from Larreynaga and 50 kilometers 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 kilometers from the epicenter, was hardest-hit, officials said, while people fled their homes in panic in several towns and cities including in the capital.