14 people injured, 89 homes damaged as strong quake hits Nicaragua

MANAGUA (AFP) - 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 5.27pm at a depth of 10km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The epicentre was 18km from Larreynaga and 50km north of the capital Managua, USGS said.

Government spokesman Rosario Murillo said 14 people were injured and 89 homes damaged.

Nagarote, a town on Lake Managua 30km from the epicenter, was hardest-hit, officials said, while people fled their homes in panic in several towns and cities including in the capital.

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