April 28, 2008 Earthquake rattles through Mexico

MEXICO CITY (AP) - A moderate earthquake rattled Mexico on Sunday, but no major injuries or damages were reported.

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 and was centered 96 miles (154 kilometers) north of Acapulco, the U.S. Geological Center said. Mexico's National Seismological Service released a preliminary magnitude of 5.6.

Sunday's quake caused office buildings to sway and sent many frightened residents into the streets of the capital, Mexico City.

"Yes, it scared us," said Julio Lara, 38, a parking attendant in downtown Mexico City. "It was strong."

The Mexico City Public Safety Department said there were no reports of injuries or damages.

"There were just some panicked phone calls from people who had rushed out of their homes and offices during the earthquake," the department said in a statement.

Helicopters immediately clattered overhead searching for damage and Red Cross ambulances were patrolling the city but had not reported any injuries, Red Cross dispatcher Martin Gonzalez said.

Mexico City residents like Lara still remember a magnitude-8.1 earthquake that hit the city in 1985, killing at least 9,500 people and flattening buildings.

"We're just waiting for an earthquake that strong to hit again," he said.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)