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Mexico earthquake: Powerful 7.2 magnitude quake strikes south and central parts of country Mexico earthquake: Powerful 7.2 magnitude quake strikes south and central parts of country
(35 minutes later)
A powerful earthquake has shaken buildings in south and central Mexico. A powerful earthquake has rocked south and central Mexico, just months after a pair of deadly quakes pummelled parts of the country last year.
The US Geological Survey gave the quake, which struck at 5:39pm local time, a preliminary magnitude of 7.5. It later downgraded the magnitude to 7.2. It said the epicentre was 37 kilometres north-east of the coastal town of Pinotepa de Don Luis. The 7.2-magnitude quake struck at 5:39pm local time, making buildings sway and sending people running into the street. The epicentre was a southern, surfer town on the Pacific Coast, according to the US Geological Survey. but tremors were felt as far away as Guatemala. 
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said the National Civil Protection system protocols had been activated. An earthquake alert was issued in Mexico City and buildings were evacuated, according to CNN. The government said some superficial damage had occurred, but did not immediately report any fatalities.
Secretary of the Interior Alfonso Navarrete tweeted that Oaxaca, Chiapas, Michoacán, Puebla and Mexico City had not reported any damages thus fur.  Emergency warning systems were activated in Mexico City, some 348 kilometers (216 miles) from the centre of the quake, and many buildings were evacuated. Footage posted on social media showed lights swinging from ceilings in a shaking building in the city, while other videos showed people fleeing outside from their trembling offices.
The Oaxaca state civil protection agency tweeted that it was monitoring the coastline. No tsunami threat was detected, according to the US National Weather Service. Video posted by a Washington Post reporter showed crowds of people standing calmly in a central Mexico City square, waiting for the rumblings to pass. Crowds of people also gathered on the streets in Oaxaca state's capital, closer to the epicentre of the quake, which hit 37 kilometres north-east of the coastal town of Pinotepa de Don Luis.
Footage posted on social media showed lights swinging from ceilings in a shaking building in the city. Other videos showed people fleeing outside from trembling office buildings.  Patricia Gutierrez, a 66-year-old English teacher, told Reuters she was taking a nap with her 11-month-old granddaughter, when she heard the alarm.
Video posted by a Washington Post reporter showed crowds of people standing calmly in a central Mexico City square, waiting for the rumblings to pass. Crowds of people also gathered on the central Reforma Avenue, and on the streets in Oaxaca state's capital. "She recognised the sound. When I opened my eyes, I saw her eyes in terror," Ms Gutierrez said of her granddaughter. "Her eyes were wide, like plates. She didn't say anything."
The Mexico City Government reminded residents via Twitter to check for damage, close gas valves, and disconnect energy sources when returning home. Secretary of the Interior Alfonso Navarrete tweeted that Oaxaca, Chiapas, Michoacán, Puebla and Mexico City had not reported any major damages thus far. Mexican Civil Protection chief Luis Felipe Fuente also said that there were no immediate reports of major damages from Friday's quake. 
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said the National Civil Protection system protocols had been activated, and the Oaxaca state civil protection agency tweeted that it was monitoring the coastline. No tsunami threat was detected, according to the US National Weather Service.
The Mexico City Government reminded residents via Twitter to check for damage, close gas valves, and disconnect energy sources when returning home.
A pair of powerful earthquakes struck the country in September, killing more than 300 people. The second earthquake knocked out power to some 5m people, and temporarily shut down schools and public transportation.A pair of powerful earthquakes struck the country in September, killing more than 300 people. The second earthquake knocked out power to some 5m people, and temporarily shut down schools and public transportation.
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