Acapulco,Mexico: A powerful, magnitude-7.5 earthquake shook central and southern Mexico on Friday. The US. Geological Survey said it was centered northwest of the Pacific resort of Acapulco, where many Mexicans are vacationing for the Easter holiday.
The quake was felt strongly in the resort city, as well as in Mexico’s capital, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
“There is a crisis of panic,” said Alicia Dominguez, who answered the phone at the civil protection office. “It’s mainly the tourists who are shaken.” Civil protection officials were patrolling the city to check for damage and casualties.
The quake struck 265 kilometres southwest of Mexico City, which shook for at least 30 seconds. Buildings swayed as people fled high rises and took to the streets. Because of the Easter holiday, that city was less crowded than usual.
“I had to hold on to a tree, like a drunk,” said Pedro Hernandez, 68, a doorman working in central Mexico City.
“This is really strong,” said Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez Chavez, 45, an apartment building guard in central Mexico City. “And I’m accustomed to earthquakes.”
According the USGS, the quake’s center was 49 kilometres deep.
