The World - News from Aug. 31, 1986

A strong earthquake rumbled through Eastern Europe, sending people fleeing from their homes in Bucharest, Romania, and in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia. There was no immediate report of casualties, but property damage was reported in both capitals. The tremor was also felt throughout Yugoslavia, but the extent of damage there was not immediately known. An official communique, read on Bucharest radio, said the quake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale. The U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colo., said the temblor registered 6.9 on the scale and had its epicenter 110 miles northeast of Bucharest.