Moderate Earthquake Hits Bulgaria

Bulgarian officials say a moderate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.2 struck near the capital of Sofia. There are no initial reports of injuries or damage.

The earthquake, which the U.S. Geological Survey measured at 4.6 on the Richter scale, shook the region at 3:50 p.m. (1350 GMT) on Saturday and had its epicenter near the town of Pernik about 14 miles (23 kilometers) west of Sofia. The U.S. agency measured its depth at a relatively shallow 6.1 kilometers (3.8 miles).

The quake was felt in Pernik, Sofia, and as far away as the central city of Plovdiv.

An earthquake with a magnitude 5.8 struck the same area on May 22, causing damages to buildings.