Another powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake has shaken southern Mexico, the second in six months, forcing thousands of people to run into the streets of Mexico City.

The epicentre was close to the Pacific coast in the southern state of Oaxaca near Mexico City and had a depth of 43km, according to the US Geological Survey.

There was no tsunami threat from the earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said on Friday.

The area is already reeling from an earthquake that caused widespread damage in September.

Oaxaca’s civil protection service says no damage has been reported so far.

In Mexico City, tall buildings swayed for more than a minute as seismic alarms sounded throughout the city, and tremors were felt as far away as Guatemala to the south.

Television images showed thousands of people in the streets in the city centre, where crowds had gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year.