In Brief

Strong 6.4-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mexico

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Mexico Earthquake Map - May 8, 2014
Map of where an earthquake struck Mexico on May 8, 2014. (Image credit: USGS)

A 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit the southwest coast of Mexico today (May 8), according to a preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The strong quake, which originated at a depth of about 15 miles (23 kilomters), was centered in the southern Guerrero state, but was even felt 171 miles (277 km) away in the capital, Mexico City. So far, there have been no immediate reports of injuries, reported the Associated Press.

In the town of Tecpan, near the tremblor's epicenter, the quake caused a "wave of panic," as buildings shook ferociously, according to the AP. Last month, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck parts of central and southern Mexico, roughly 40 miles (66 km) away from today's tremblor.

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Denise Chow
Denise Chow
Live Science Contributor

Denise Chow was the assistant managing editor at Live Science before moving to NBC News as a science reporter, where she focuses on general science and climate change. Before joining the Live Science team in 2013, she spent two years as a staff writer for Space.com, writing about rocket launches and covering NASA's final three space shuttle missions. A Canadian transplant, Denise has a bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto, and a master's degree in journalism from New York University.