An earthquake measuring 5.6 in magnitude struck central Mexico at 11:46 a.m. local time today, causing buildings to sway and people to rush into the streets. The epicenter was in the state of Guerrero near Chilpancingo, 43 miles northeast of the resort city of Acapulco, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Hotels were evacuated as a precaution, though no damage has been reported. Tremors were reported to have been felt in the capital city of Mexico City, some 145 miles to the north of Acapulco
. The vibrations shook buildings for 30 to 40 seconds, causing citizens to flee from the tall office buildings.
USGS earthquake analyst Don Blakeman said, “The quake was felt strongly in Mexico City because the epicenter was at a relatively shallow depth of 30 miles, and the ground under the capital – which was built on a former lake bed – tends to intensify shock waves.”
The city is currently dealing with an outbreak of Swine Flu that has officials scrambling to contain the illness.
