BBC News Online: World: Americas

Third earthquake hits El Salvador

The quake, measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale, hit at 1137 local time (1737 GMT) and was felt in the capital, San Salvador, prompting people to run into the streets.

National Emergency Committee director Mauricio Ferrer said he had not received any reports of damages or injuries.

Workers quickly returned to their jobs and the quake did not affect traffic, telephones or electricity.

The quake following two major quakes on 13 February and 13 January in which at least 1,200 people died and more than one million people were left homeless.

The first quake was measured at 7.6 on the on the Richter scale, while the second was measured at 6.6.

Damage from the January quake alone is estimated to be at least $1.3 bn - more than 15% of the country's annual economic output.

El Salvador's devastated roads, communications and water supplies have yet to be repaired.

Before the quakes, the country had not yet recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Mitch three years ago.