Quake hits southern Mexico, sways tall buildings in capital

A strong earthquake struck in southern Mexico on Monday afternoon, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the tremor had a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 and its epicenter was in the southern state of Oaxaca, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the town of Pinotepa de Don Luis.

Felipe Reyna, coordinator for civil protection in Oaxaca, told Milenio TV that there were no initial signs of significant damage or anyone being hurt.

The quake set tall buildings swaying some 215 miles (350 kilometers) away in Mexico City, causing people to leave offices and congregate in the streets.

Much of the Mexican capital is built over a former lakebed, which means that residents often feel even faraway tremors.