(Updates with details; previous WASHINGTON) LOS ANGELES, May 17 (Reuters) - A prolonged earthquake shook the Los Angeles area on Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The USGS, which described the earthquake as "moderate," said the magnitude was 5.0. The quake was 8.4 miles (13.52 km) deep and centered near the community of Lennox, about 10 miles (15 km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles. Residents across a wide area of Los Angeles felt a sharp rumbling that lasted 10 to 15 seconds at about 8:39 p.m. (11:39 p.m. EDT/0339 GMT). A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department said there were no immediate reports of damage or injury.
A girl jumps from a building during an earthquake simulation exercise by Syria's civil defence in Damascus May 13, 2009. REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri (SYRIA DISASTER HEALTH) ...
