Strong 6.1 magnitude quake rocks south Mexico

Mexico City, July 6: A strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the poor southern Mexican state of Chiapas the US Geological Survey said.

The quake struck 24 miles from Tuxtla Gutierrez yesterday, the capital of the coffee-growing state.

Mexican television said some people were panicked by the temblor, which knocked out power and mobile telephone services for about 10 minutes.

No damage or injuries were initially reported, television network Televisa said.

Chiapas is home to a large population of ethnic Mayas, and was thrust into the international spotlight when the Zapatista guerrilla army launched a short but bloody uprising in 1994.

Reuters>