SAO PAULO -- An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook southern Brazil, scaring many but causing no significant damage nor casualties, officials and media said.

It was the strongest temblor to hit the region in a century, the news group Globo said.

The epicenter was 270 kilometers (170 miles) off Brazil's southeast coast, the Seismological Observatory of Brasilia University said.

The unit's coordinator, Jorge Sand, said the zone had a history of seismic activity because it was on the edge of a continental plate.

The city of Sao Paulo felt the movement the most, with residents in high-rise apartments feeling their buildings sway. Rio de Janeiro was also affected.

Several inhabitants in some parts were seen going into the street in their pajamas, with a few stringing up hammocks to sleep outside for fear of further tectonic shocks.

Fire services said they received more than 400 calls from startled citizens.