Strong earthquake rocks Guam

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Apr 26, 2002 | A strong earthquake rocked Guam early Saturday, knocking out electricity across the island and sending at least five people to a hospital with cuts and bruises.

The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 and was centered 30 miles southwest of Hagatna, the island capital, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It hit at 2:06 a.m. (12:06 p.m. EDT Friday) at a depth of 47 miles.

No major damage was reported, but preliminary assessment had to wait until daylight, said John Ryan, a spokesman for the governor's office. He said authorities were asked to make visual inspections of bridges.

Tim Quigley, 23, was dancing at a nightclub when the temblor hit.

"It started shaking and I just thought people were really dancing wild and getting into it," he said. "But as it started shaking more and more, I was like -- hold on -- this ain't no bass, this is an earthquake."

Five people went to Guam Memorial Hospital with minor injuries, officials said. The hospital reported minor damage to its building.

No Pacific-wide tsunami warning was in effect, said Joe Javellana, Civil Defense acting administrator.

Guam, a U.S. territory with 154,000 people, is located 3,800 miles west of Hawaii.

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