A 7.6-magnitude earthquake has hit central and southern parts of Mexico.

A woman comforts her children outside a school at the Roma neighborhood after a earthquake felt in Mexico City Tuesday March 20, 2012.

According to the US Geological Survey, the epicenter was located at 25 kilometers east of Ometepec in Guerrero state, near the Pacific Coast resort of Aca-pulco. The initial quake was followed by a less powerful, 5-point-1 magnitude aftershock.

Guerrero State Governor Angel Aguirre says some 500 local houses were damaged. The quake also brought down telephone services in several areas in Guerrero state and Mexico City.

Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard stated that the water system and other "strategic services" are not experiencing problems and that no damage has been reported.