MEXICO CITY (CBS) — A 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck central southern Mexico Tuesday, sending Mexican-Americans here in Chicago scrambling for updates on friends and family.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the earthquake was 113 miles east of Acapulco, in the state of Guerrero.
CBS News reports the quake shook buildings and sent people running into the streets in Mexico City. No earthquake this severe has hit in Mexico since an 8.2-magnitude quake in 1985, CBS News reported.
President Barack Obama’s daughter, Malia, is reportedly on spring break in Oaxaca, Mexico, which is a few hundred miles east of the earthquake site. She is reported to be fine, although there were aftershocks reported in the area.
Chicagoans were quickly trying to get in touch with relatives. Many reported that Internet service was down in Mexico City, but they were able to reach friends and family via text message.
Lots of friends in my FB feed reporting they can only get a hold of ppl in Mexico City via cell phone or cellular data—
Maura Wall Hernandez (@MauraHernandez) March 20, 2012
Maura Wall Hernandez, digital editor at the Chicago Tribune, said her sister-in-law left her university job in Mexico City early as a precaution. There were no reports of major damage, just some minor structural damage.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard’s Twitter account said the water system and other “strategic services” were not experiencing problems, the Associated Press reported.
Reuters reported of problems with traffic and cell phone lines in the capital after the quake hit.
UPDATE: @CBSNews reporter Adrian Bard says there have been strong aftershocks felt in Mexico City. #earthquake—
Steve Grzanich (@SteveGrzanich) March 20, 2012
RT @MilesDoran: Receptionist at hotel in Acapulco tells me they felt it, but no damage. No big waves. Everybody is OK. #earthquake—
Steve Grzanich (@SteveGrzanich) March 20, 2012
UPDATE: USGS revises Mexico #earthquake magnitude downward to 7.6. Reports of buildings swaying in Mexico City—
Steve Grzanich (@SteveGrzanich) March 20, 2012
