A huge earthquake slammed southwest of the country near the resort of Acapulco on Tuesday night, shaking buildings in Mexico City and sending residents screaming into the streets.

According to the USGS, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) northeast of Acapulco, Guerrero.

Guerrero state civil protection officials said the quake, first estimated by the USGS at a magnitude of 7.4, resulted in rock falls and landslides onto highways.

Buildings in Acapulco were also damaged by the quake, according to a Reuters witness.

There were no immediate reports of major damage in Mexico City, according to Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.

According to a Reuters witness, lights went out in Mexico City's Roma Sur neighborhood, and terrified inhabitants raced out, some in pajamas. Residents huddled together in the rain, clutching little children or pets, unable to return home in the dark.

"It was a disaster. Every time anything like this happens, it reminds me of the 1985 earthquake, "Yesmin Rizk, a Roma Sur native of 70 years, agreed.

According to the USGS, the quake was shallow, barely 7.8 miles (12.5 kilometers) below the surface, which would have magnified the shaking effect.