President Barack Obama shops with his daughters Malia, foreground, and...

President Barack Obama shops with his daughters Malia, foreground, and Sasha, in Washington. The White House says President Barack Obama's oldest daughter, Malia, is safe and never was in danger during a strong earthquake Tuesday in Mexico. (Nov. 26, 2011) Credit: AP

The White House says President Barack Obama's oldest daughter, Malia, is safe and never was in danger during a strong earthquake Tuesday in Mexico.

Malia, 13, is on vacation with a school group in Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico, according to reports from the region. The U.S. Geological Survey says the initial 7.6-magnitude earthquake was felt strongly in Oaxaca. The quake was followed by an aftershock that shook southern Mexico, swayed buildings in Mexico City and sent frightened workers and residents into the streets.

Kristina Schake, the first lady's communications director, says Malia Obama "is safe and was never in danger." Typically the White House does not comment on the Obama children but made an exception because of the quake.

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