6.2 quake shakes Mexico’s Baja California coast

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake rattled the southern part of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula Tuesday and was felt strongly in the city of La Paz.

State civil defence director Carlos Rincon said there were no immediate reports of damages or injuries in La Paz, a tranquil fishing and resort city.

“We are calling on the public to remain calm in case there are aftershocks,” Mr. Rincon said.

State Gov. Marcos Covarrubias announced that classes at public schools in the state would be cancelled Wednesday so experts can evaluate any possible damage to school buildings.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centred about 47 miles (75 kilometres) north-northeast of La Paz in Baja California Sur.

The USGS said the quake occurred at about 4.45 p.m. local time and was centred offshore in the Gulf of California.

About twenty minutes later, a 4.6-magnitude aftershock occurred about 24 miles (38 kilometres) north of La Paz, along with a 4.8 temblor about 8 miles (14 kilometres) further out in the Gulf of California about 12 minutes later.