Earthquake wreaks devastation in Nicaragua

Ten thousand people are feared dead after a two-hour earthquake ripped through the Nicaraguan capital of Managua.

Initial reports suggest whole communities have been wiped out as an estimated 80% of buildings have been flattened with little hope of finding survivors.

The earthquake which reached 6.5 on the Richter Scale has sparked huge fires causing fears those who survived the initial attack may not escape the flames.

Nicaragua was struck at 1240 local time when all electricity and water supplies to the country were cut.

Telegraph and telephone links have also been severed.

Aid workers are trying to clear the area to prevent the spread of diseases such as typhoid so that experts can search for survivors and get food and water to the hundreds now homeless.

Evacuation

Among the ruins and rubble are two of the city's three main hospitals.

Relief workers at the scene are trying to bury the dead in makeshift graves to curb a growing stench.

An evacuation order has been placed on the city and authorities are expected to close off the area while a clean-up operation takes place.

The city is still affected by occasional tremors, and cracks in the road are hampering emergency relief efforts.

Officials have said they need medical aid and anaesthetic more than anything else at present.

The United States, Mexico and neighbouring countries to Nicaragua are preparing to send aid, food and medicine.

The capital city is above a geological fault which has made it susceptible to tremors and earthquakes.

Managua has twice been destroyed in earthquakes in 76 years, leading to speculation the country may have to move its capital.

Parts of the country have already suffered the worst drought of the century this year.

And the partial failure of the cotton crop, which with coffee is the staple of the Nicaraguan economy, has led to unemployment and poverty.