Earthquake shakes El Salvador

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A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck off the coast of El Salvador, shaking buildings in the capital and causing people to flee into the streets, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

The US Geological Survey reported that the quake was centered in the Pacific off the coast of El Salvador, 37km below the seabed. It was also felt in Guatemala.

Some people fled their houses in San Salvador, but officials said there were no reports of people injured or damage to buildings.

"It was superficial and lasted 25 seconds, and was felt in several areas," Jorge Melendez, El Salvador's civil protection director, said in a radio interview.

Thursday's quake follows another similar-sized offshore earthquake on November 15 that shook buildings and electricity poles in the Salvadoran capital.

- Reuters