Post date: Aug 21, 2013 6:52:35 PM
An magnitude 6.1 earthquake in southern Mexico causes damage to buildings and frightens tourists in the popular Pacific coast tourist resort of Acapulco.
ACAPULCO, GUERRERO, MEXICO (AUGUST 21, 2013) (REUTERS) - A magnitude 6.1 earthquake shook southern Mexico on Wednesday (August 21) causing damage to buildings and frightening tourists in the popular Pacific coast tourist resort of Acapulco.
The epicentre was 11 miles northwest of the town of Ayutla de los Libres in the poor southern state of Guerrero, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, revising down an initial reading of 6.4.It said the tremor struck at a depth of 21.6 miles. A 5.3 magnitude aftershock hit near the popular Pacific coast tourist resort of Acapulco half an hour later.
In Acapulco, frightened tourists evacuated their tall hotel buildings and calmly stood in the street.
An arch entrance to the Naval Base in the port city collapsed. Troops looked on as workers cleared the debris.
There were also reports of rocks falling on the highway blocking access to Puerto Marques. Classes in most Acapulco schools were cancelled and at least one person was injured.
Tourists reported their fear after the earthquake rattled hotels.
"I'm pretty scared. I had never felt such an earthquake in my life," said Brazilian tourist, Dair.
"Terrible, everything starts cracking. You can't see anything. The building look ok but it was horrible," added Mexican tourist, Victor Reyes.
Broken glass was seen lying next to buildings on the street.
Guerrero Governor Angel Aguirre Rivero said on Twitter that emergency services were checking buildings in Acapulco for more damages following the aftershock.
The earthquake also rattled buildings as distant as Mexico City around 250 miles away, but there were no reports of damage or injuries.
Buildings swayed for around a minute in Mexico City after the first quake, and several offices in the capital evacuated staff. The quake struck at the height of the morning rush-hour.
"We got out of the office when we started to feel the movement and the alarm went off," said Mexico City resident, Enrique Ramirez.
Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said on Twitter that there were no reports of injuries or damage in the capital.