MEXICO CITY, July 30 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale on Wednesday hit large part of Mexico's southern state of Oaxaca, causing no casualties or damages, the Civil Protection authorities said.

    The earthquake occurred at 5:23 local time (1023 GTM) at a depth of 49 km and the epicenter was located some 24 km north of the Curcecita municipality in the Pacific coast, the Mexican National Seismological Service said.

    There have been no reports of casualties or damages till now, said Martin Vela Gill, director of the Civil Protection Unit of the Oaxaca state.