WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- A strong earthquake of 7.5 magnitude on the Richter scale struck Mozambique midnight Wednesday, a U.S. earthquake watchdog said.

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake's epicenter was 530 km north of Mozambique's capital Maputo at 12:19p.m. local time Wednesday, the USGS said.

    USGS spokeswoman Clarice Ransom said that the initial reading had been 6.9 magnitude but was later adjusted upward.

    The quake was felt as far away as in South Africa's port city Durban and Zimbabwe's capital Harare, she said. Enditem