Moderate quake rattles eastern Venezuela; no immediate reports of damage, injuries

Moderate earthquake rattles eastern Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela — A moderate earthquake shook eastern Venezuela on Friday, but officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and was centered 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of the town of Carupano, the U.S. Geological Survey reported on its Web site.

Venezuelan seismological agency chief Francisco Garces told state television the quake hit at 1:30 p.m. (1800 GMT). The agency measured the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.4.

Emergency management director Luis Diaz told state TV the quake was felt in the eastern states of Sucre, Anzoategui, Monagas and Bolivar.

Sucre state Gov. Enrique Maestre called for calm and said there were no reports of injuries or damage to buildings.