2010-07-08 09:28

LOS ANGELES - A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck in the Southern California desert east of Los Angeles on Tuesday, rattling buildings from Los Angeles to San Diego.

The US Geological Survey said the quake was centered about 13 miles (21 km) north-northwest of the desert community of Borrego Springs.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injury from the quake, the latest in a series that have rattled Southern California in recent months.

Borrego Springs Fire Protection District Captain Miguel Manzano said "it was a pretty strong quake, lasted about 10 to 15 seconds."

He said his department was unaware of any damage in the community but would be checking the area.

"We did feel it pretty strong," said John Yzaguirre, manager of the Borrego Springs Resort hotel. "There's nothing broken but it was really strong, probably one of the strongest ones we've felt."