Peru hit by moderate quake, no damage reported

LIMA (Reuters) - A moderate earthquake struck the coast of central Peru on Monday and shook buildings in the capital of Lima, but there were no immediate reports of damages or injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey initially said a 5.8 magnitude quake hit near the town of Chincha Alta, and later downgraded it to 5.5 magnitude. It struck at 1753 GMT about 110 miles (177 km) south south-east of Lima.

Startled residents fled from their homes in towns along the central coast, according to local radio.

A massive 8.1 magnitude quake hit the same region on Aug. 15, 2007, killing hundreds of people.

Peru, a major global minerals exporter, has dozens of large mines. But the biggest mine in the region of the temblor, Cerro Lindo, was not damaged, according to its owner, Peruvian miner Milpo.