5.3 earthquake hits Dominican Republic

SANTO DOMINGO (AP) - 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 local rescue officials and the U.S. Geological Survey said the 6-mile deep quake hit at 5.35 a.m. on Thursday, some 34 miles west of the capital of Santa Domingo.



Rescue official Juan Manuel Mendez said his group has not received reports of damages or of people hurt and has not issued any tsunami warning.



Mendez said there were reports of hundreds of frightened people rushing out of their houses in various cities, including Santo Domingo.