A major 6.3-magnitude earthquake lasting several seconds shook the Colombian capital of Bogota early Sunday, according to AFP reporters on the ground and the United States Geological Survey.

The shallow quake struck near the city of Paratebueno in central Colombia, some 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of Bogota, the USGS said.

No casualties were immediately reported in the tremor, also felt in cities including Medellin, Cali and Manizales.

The quake, which the Colombian national geological survey registered at magnitude 6.5, was one of the strongest and longest felt in the capital in recent years.

In Bogota buildings shook, sirens blared and people rushed out into the streets.

Scores of residents gathered in parks and outside buildings in their pajamas, with parents trying to calm fri

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