A magnitude-6.5 earthquake today struck northeast of Barbados, jolting thousands from their sleep but causing no reported damage or casualties.
It also was felt in the nearby French Caribbean island of Martinique.
Barbados Police Constable Chris Greg told The Associated Press by telephone that the earthquake was felt throughout the island.
"It was strong," he said.
The US Geological Survey said the temblor struck at a depth of 17 kilometres at 5:27 am (0927 GMT) and was centred some 170 kilometres northeast of Bathsheba, Barbados.
