Strong earthquake in Guerrero, shakes Mexico City

MEXICO CITY – A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck in Mexico’s western Guerrero state Saturday night, shaking buildings and causing some panic just over 100 miles away in the nation’s capital. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Service estimated the quake’s magnitude at 6.7, after an initial reading of 6.8. A quake of that magnitude is capable of causing severe damage.

The USGS said the quake occurred 40.3 miles (64.9 kilometers) deep and was centered about 26 miles (42 kilometers) southwest of Iguala in Guerrero. That is 103 miles (166 kilometers) south-southwest of Mexico City.

High-rises swayed in the center of Mexico City, and shoppers were temporarily herded out of some shopping centers.

Mexico City’s mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, reported by Twitter that no major damage had been reported although there were some power failures in parts of the city.

People in one part of the capital’s upscale Condesa neighborhood ran out of their houses and gathered in the streets, hugging each other while some shook and began to cry.

On one street, a group of women joined hands in a circle, closed their eyes and began to pray.

“Please God, help us and let everything be OK,” said one. “It’s OK. It’s OK. Everything is OK.”