Significant Earthquake Reported in Seattle, Portland, Vancouver

News services reported a significant earthquake hit the region that includes Seattle, Portland Ore. and Vancouver, B.C.

However, reports varied about its magnitude, with estimates eventually settling at 6.8 to 7.0 on the Richter scale.

CNN televised pictures of damaged buildings in Seattle. The Associated Press said the Seattle-Tacoma airport closed, with the tower and offices evacuated.

Reports also said electrical power was out for thousands in the area.

In Portland, truck manufacturer Freightliner said its operations were not affected.

In Bellevue, Wash., an official at truck maker Paccar told Transport Topics that headquarters employees were sent home about noon local time.

Employees were also sent home at Paccar's Kenworth truck plants in Seattle and Renton, Wash., according to spokesman Jeff Parietti.

He said the Seattle facility experienced apparently minor damage, although concern over a reported gas leak resulted in all utilities being shut off.

At the Renton plant there was no apparent damage, but all utilities were shut off as a precaution. Both facilities will be checked out for hidden structural damage.

The Kenworth headquarters building in Kirkland, Wash., was shaken, but there was no apparent damage and employees remained in the building.