6.5 earthquake strikes off the west coast of Nicaragua

A 6.5 magnitude shallow earthquake struck the west coast of Nicaragua early Wednesday morning.declared the United States Geological Survey (USGS), but there was no risk of a tsunami.

The earthquake occurred 48 miles (78 kilometers) southwest of Jiquilillothe USGS said, lowering its original measurement to magnitude 6.7.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said “According to all the data available, there is no threat of a tsunami due to this earthquake.”

In its preliminary assessment, the USGS said: “There is a low probability of casualties and damage “.

Seismologists explained that the earthquake was caused by the collision between the Cocos and Caribe plates.

Nicaragua is located on the eastern flank of the most active geological zone in the world, in the area called Pacific Ring of Fire, where about 85% of the world’s seismic activity is recorded.

Other strong earthquakes were recorded in May 2019 and July this year, in all cases without casualties or damage.