Moderate 'quake shakes Los Angeles

A moderate earthquake struck east of Los Angeles on Tuesday, shaking tall buildings in the city but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries or major damage.

The earthquake, which was measured at magnitude 5.8, was centered about 30 miles (48 km) east of Los Angeles near the community of Chino Hills, where it was felt strongly.

Witnesses reported feeling the shaking strongly in neighboring Orange County and as far south as San Diego.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said there were no injuries reported.

In downtown Los Angeles, tall buildings swayed from side to side for a few seconds and workers poured into the streets.

Los Angeles city officials evacuated City Hall.

People returned to many buildings after some 15 minutes.

A spokesman for Los Angeles International Airport said there were no flight delays as a result of the quake.

Magnitude 5 quakes are considerate moderate but are still capable of causing considerable damage.

Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and the second-most populous urban area in the United States. According to 2000 Census Bureau figures, about 3.6 million people live in Los Angeles.