5.3 magnitude earthquake hits southern coast of Dominica

Dominica: A 5.3-magnitude earthquake has struck the southern coast of the Dominican Republic without causing any reported damage or loss of life according to a report in the Jamaica Observer.

Local rescue officials and the U.S. Geological Survey say the earthquake struck at 5:35 AM local time Thursday, and its epicenter was six miles deep in Ocoa province, 34 miles  west of the capital of Santa Domingo.

The Jamaica Observer said rescue official Juan Manuel Mendez says his group has not received reports of damages or of people hurt and has not issued any tsunami warning. Mendez says there were reports of hundreds of frightened people rushing out of their houses in various cities, including Santo Domingo.