7.4 Earthquake Hits Mexico CNN
go to original March 20, 2012

MEXICO CITY - A strong earthquake rattled residents in Mexican resort towns and the nation's capital Tuesday, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake had a magnitude of 7.4.

The epicenter was about 15 miles (25 km) east of Ometepec, Guerrero, the USGS said, and its depth was about 12.4 miles (20 km).

The USGS initially reported the magnitude of the quake at 7.9, but later revised that figure downward. Mexican President Felipe Calderon said in a Twitter post it was 7.8.

Residents rushed into the streets after feeling the temblor in Mexico City, about 200 miles (320 km) away from the epicenter. Tourists and residents also felt the earthquake in the resort city of Acapulco.

Local authorities in Guerrero state reported aftershocks.

Calderon said in another Twitter post that there were no immediate reports of serious damage.

"The health system is operating normally, except for some broken glass and other minor damage," he wrote in another post.

Residents in the southwestern states of Oaxaca and Guerrero and the eastern state of Veracruz reported that phone service had been knocked out in their areas.

Authorities in Mexico City were evaluating damage, Mayor Marcelo Ebrard posted on Twitter. Some buildings had cracks and broken windows, he said.

Earthquakes are a frightening experience for the more than 20 million residents of Mexico City, where about 10,000 people perished in a massive quake in 1985.

The city, built on volcanic ash and clay, is particularly vulnerable to temblors.

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