Central & South America Quakes

Venezuelan capital jolted by 5.3 earthquake

CARACAS (Reuters) - An earthquake sent residents running from their homes and shook buildings across oil exporting Venezuela's densely populated coastal region, including the capital Caracas, before dawn on Monday.

The quake was 5.3 magnitude, with the epicenter 25 miles south of Caracas and at a depth of 6.2 miles, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The tremor was the second to hit Venezuela in recent weeks, unusual for OPEC member nation.


Strong but deep quake hits Guatemala May 3, 2009

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Seismologists are reporting a strong but deeply centered earthquake in Guatemala.

Local radio stations say there are no reports of damages or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake had a magnitude of 6.1 and was centered 25 miles (45 kilometers) southeast of Quetzaltenango, the country's second-largest city.