5.1 magnitude earthquake hits Haiti, Dominican Republic border region

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake shook the area of El Cachon in the Dominican Republic near the border with Haiti Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey.

El Cachon is a town in the Barahona province. The epicentre of the quake was two kilometres east southeast of El Cachon, and 127 kilometres west-southwest of Santo Domingo.

The earthquake which occurred at about 4:30pm EST was reportedly felt in towns across Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Relevant authorities in the government of the Dominican Republic said the earthquake was felt across Santo Domingo as well, causing some panic, particularly in some of the capital’s higher buildings.

Authorities in Haiti said no damage or injuries were reported.

It came just a few days after an earthquake of equal magnitude occurred in Anguilla.

There was also a smaller 3.1 magnitude quake 91 kilometres north of Road Town in the British Virgin Islands and a smaller 2.6-Magnitude movement near Vega Alta in Puerto Rico.