Mexico City Rocked By Powerful 6.0 Earthquake

A powerful earthquake has rocked tall buildings in Mexico's capital, sending office workers rushing down stairways into the streets

People look at the wreckage of a car after an earthquake in Acapulco

The 5.6-magnitude quake was centred near Chilpancingo, about 130 miles southwest of Mexico City.

This is about 50 miles from the resort of Acapulco, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Local television quoted Mexico City officials as saying there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Mexico City, which is at the centre of a swine flu outbreak, has a population of 20 million.

Sarai Luna Pajas, a 22-year-old social worker, was in an office building when the quake struck.

"I'm scared," she said. "We Mexicans are not used to living with so much fear, but all that is happening - the economic crisis, the illnesses and now this - it feels like the Apocalypse."

Co-worker Harold Gutierrez, 21, said he too was gripped by the sensation that the world might be coming to an end.

"If it is, it is God's plan," Gutierrez said, speaking over a green mask he wore to ward off swine flu.

USGS earthquake analyst Don Blakeman said the quake was felt strongly in Mexico City because the epicentre was relatively shallow and the ground under the capital - which is built on a former lake bed - tends to intensify shock waves.

"Distant quakes are often felt" strongly in the city, he said.

The tremor also sent tourists streaming out of hotels in Acapulco, although local civil protection officer Silvia Rodriguez said there were no injuries.