MOSCOW, September 9 (RIA Novosti) - More...

The earthquake, measuring 8 on the Richter scale, struck Georgia"s Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region early on Tuesday. Georgian environment officials said hundreds of houses were destroyed in the town of Oni and in other locations. No casualties were reported.

"According to preliminary data, the houses of 418 families have been seriously damaged and are unfit to live in," David Gagoshidze said.

Georgia"s emergency services, the Red Cross and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees have provided those affected with humanitarian assistance, including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags.

Local emergency officials said tremors were also felt in the early hours on Tuesday in Georgia"s capital, Tbilisi, and in neighboring South Ossetia and Armenia.