MEXICO CITY - A powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Chiapas on Wednesday, rattling homes in Mexico's southernmost state and swaying buildings slightly in Mexico City. No injuries or damages were reported.<br>
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The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 6.3, struck about 5:10 p.m. and was centered in the Pacific Ocean, 475 miles southeast of Mexico City, the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colorado, reported.<br>
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The quake was also felt throughout Guatemala, which borders Chiapas, and in most of El Salvador.<br>
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The quake reverberated strongly through areas of Chiapas, Oaxaca and the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, and some residents there reported feeling it for as long as up to a minute, a seismological service spokesman said.<br>
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Mexico's National Seismological Service reported the quake's magnitude at 5.8. There was no immediate explanation about why the two readings varied.<br>
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A magnitude-6 quake can cause severe damage if it is centered under a populated area.<br>
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