Nicaragua: 5.9-magnitude earthquake off west coast Sep. 12

Event

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale struck off the western coast of Nicaragua at 12:20 (local time) on Wednesday, September 12. The epicenter was located approximately 20 km (12 mi) southwest of Nagarote. No tsunami alert was issued. Shaking was felt in the capital Managua as well as the towns and cities of León, Chinandega, Ciudad Sandino, Chichigalpa, and Mateare. For the moment, no major damage or casualties have been reported. Aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

Earthquakes are relatively common in Nicaragua and can strike at any time, notably in the departments of Río San Juan, Rivas, Carazo, Masaya, Managua, Chinandega, Estelí, Madriz, Nueva Segovia, Chontales, and the Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS). 

Advice

During an earthquake, protect your head from falling debris as best you can (e.g. under a table), move away from widows and exterior walls, and only attempt to evacuate if on the ground floor. After a major earthquake, check buildings for damage, including downed power lines or damaged gas lines, and evacuate until the building is declared safe.