Crowds gathered in Mexico City streets after the tremor

September 30, 1999
Web posted at: 1:22 p.m. EDT (1722 GMT)

MEXICO CITY (CNN) -- A strong earthquake jolted Mexico City on Thursday, causing buildings to sway and startled residents to run into the streets.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

CNN's Mexico City Bureau Chief, Harris Whitbeck, said the quake could be felt for about two minutes.

"I can tell you that the tremor lasted quite a long time, at least, I'd say, at least a minute 45 (seconds), maybe even two minutes," Whitbeck said.

MAGNITUDE GUIDE Below is an interactive guide to earthquake magnitude and severity: Magnitude: Less than 3.5 3.5 - 5.4 Under 6.0 6.1 - 6.9 7.0 - 7.9 8 or greater     MESSAGE BOARD Latin America in transition

Electricity did not go off in the area around the CNN offices in Mexico City. But Whitbeck said frightened residents and workers ran outside.

"The streets are filled with people, with office workers, who ran out of the buildings as soon as it started shaking," Whitbeck said shortly after the quake was reported.

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