Above: a map of the earthquake (graphic: USGS)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The western coast of Nicaragua was shaken by a 4.1-magnitude earthquake on Thursday evening, according to data from the United States Geological Survey.

The quake, which struck at a depth of 86 kilometres, occurred at around 9:00 PM local time.

Its epicentre was about 39 kilometres west-southwest of Jiquilillo, and about 170 kilometres west-northwest of Managua.

The quake was felt as far as Guatemala, according to the USGS.

It was the latest in a series of quakes over 4.0M on the Richter scale off the coast of Nicaragua this week, and the latest of what has become a trend of moderately strong quakes in the wider Caribbean region in recent months.

There were no reports of damage or injuries.