Mexico City - An earthquake rated at 5.7 strength shook the capital Mexico City Monday, sending thousands of people flooding out of office buildings and restaurants. However, no major damage was reported, according to Mexico City Civil Protection authorities.

The epicentre of the quake was near the Pacific coast in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, about 300 kilometres south of Mexico City.

According to a report by the National Seismological Service, the quake happened at 11.46 am (1646 GMT).

Telephone lines were briefly cut off. (dpa)