An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale shook western Venezuela early Friday morning. No damage or casualties were reported, confirmed the Venezuelan Foundation of Seismological Research (FUNVISIS), Xinhua reported.
   The quake struck at 3:45 am (local time) in northern Lara, one of the 23 states of the country, but the epicenter was 45 kilometers southwest of Churuguara, Falcon state in western Venezuela.
   The initial quake was followed by eight aftershocks with intensities varying between 3.5 and 2.5 degrees on the Richter scale and was felt in neighboring states including Carabobo, reported the Funvisis.
   The quake struck the western population of the country that was sleeping at that time. Although no damage or casualties have been reported, thousands of people have left their homes frightened.
   Local authorities later informed that life has returned to normal in the quake area.