Two earthquakes measuring 5.5 and 4.8 on the Richter scale rocked the Pacific coast of Nicaragua Wednesday, the Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (INETER) reported yesterday.

There were no injuries or major damage reported, but the local population was startled by the quakes, the first of which occurred at 4:43 p.m. and was felt near Port Sandino.

It originated 100 kilometers below the earth's surface and was caused by a collision of the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates, according to INETER seismologist Virginia Tenorio.

The second earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale and occurred at 10:50 p.m. near Cosiguina Volcano. It originated 12 kilometers below the earth's surface and was also felt in El Salvador.