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5.7 Quake Shakes Tall Buildings in Mexico City

By the Associated Press

Posted May 22, 2009 4:54 PM CDT

(AP) – A strong earthquake swayed skyscrapers in Mexico City and rattled colonial buildings in neighboring Puebla state today, sending frightened people into the streets. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. "There is absolute calm, zero damage,” a Puebla official said. The US Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 5.7 and was centered 90 miles southeast of the capital.

In Mexico City, one 15-story apartment building rocked so much that doors opened and slammed shut—something the residents said sounded like "ghosts." Many ran outside across the metropolis of 20 million. Evacuation officials steered crowds away from power lines and other potential hazards, and anxious people waited for several minutes before returning indoors.

A man in charge of the evacuation of an office building gives instructions to residents.
A man in charge of the evacuation of an office building gives instructions to residents.   (AP Photo)
An emergency official directs people evacuating a downtown office building after an earthquake in Mexico City today.
An emergency official directs people evacuating a downtown office building after an earthquake in Mexico City today.   (AP Photo)
A map locates the epicenter of the quake.
A map locates the epicenter of the quake.   (AP Photo)
People are evacuated from their buildings after an earthquake in Mexico City today.
People are evacuated from their buildings after an earthquake in Mexico City today.   (AP Photo)
People are evacuated from their buildings after an earthquake in Mexico City today.
People are evacuated from their buildings after an earthquake in Mexico City today.   (AP Photo)
A woman shouts as workers gather outside an office building after being evacuated due to an earthquake in Mexico City today.
A woman shouts as workers gather outside an office building after being evacuated due to an earthquake in Mexico City today.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Observer
May 22, 2009 10:08 AM CDT
Hate to be up 30 stories when the bitch starts shaking!

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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