Israel shaken by two small earthquakes

JERUSALEM, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Two small earthquakes measuring 3 and 4.2 on the Richter scale from beneath the Dead Sea shook Israel Tuesday, but no injuries or damage were reported.

The first quake was felt at around 11:19 am and the second one at 11:30 a.m., Ynetnews.com reported.

Rami Hopshteter, manager of the Geophysical Institute of Israel said the entire country felt the tremors.

"We are certain that our Jordanian neighbors also felt it," he said.

People who experienced the quakes told various media they lasted between 10 and 30 seconds.

The most recent strong earthquake to hit the region was in February 2004, in which the 5.1 event caused injuries and damage.

Tel Aviv University's Dr. Shmuel Marco told the Jerusalem Post a major earthquake could be expected any time, based on historical activity.

"We have not had any strong ones since 1033, which means another one is long due," he said. "It's impossible to know when it will strike, just like you can't predict road accidents."