Business Standard

Moderately strong quake shakes Mexican capital

Image

AP Mexico City
A moderately strong earthquake shook Mexico's capital today, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damages.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magtitude of 6.1 and was centered on the Pacific coast, near the resort of Acapulco.

Buildings swayed in the capital and some people evacuated buildings as an earthquake alarm sounded. The alarm also went off for a second, smaller quake a few minutes later.

Mexico City is vulnerable even to distant earthquakes because much of it sits atop the muddy sediments of drained lake beds that quiver as quake waves hit.

The magnitude-8.1 quake in 1985 that killed at least 6,000 people and destroyed many buildings in Mexico City was centered 250 miles (400 kilometers) away on the Pacific Coast.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Aug 21 2013 | 7:09 PM IST

Explore News