Mexico's Baja California: Powerful quake reported

(october 21, 2010)

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a powerful magnitude 6.9 quake struck off Mexico's Baja California on Thursday, 21 October, at 11:53 am (1753 GMT) at a depth of 10 kilometers

The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 6.6, was centered in the Gulf of California, 65 miles south of Los Mochis in the state of Sinaloa on the mainland. It was very shallow, just 6.2 miles below the seabed.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. Alberto Montoya Rodriguez, who runs the losmochis.com said "There was a lot a panic,but there was no damage beyond, just a big scare."

Some damage was reported in Los Mochis, but its extent was unclear. Telemundo in Los Angeles reported hotels and public buildings in the cities of Guasave, and Los Mochis and Culiacan were evacuated. According to new statements, Los Mochis's employees and guests were returned to the building shortly after.

The Pacific Tsunami center said the quake had not triggered a tsunami but could cause local waves.