At least two people have lost their lives after a powerful earthquake struck parts of southern and central Mexico on Friday, causing panic among residents and tourists.
The 6.5-magnitude tremor was centred near San Marcos, close to the coastal tourist hub of Acapulco in Guerrero state. The quake was felt across multiple regions, including Mexico City, triggering evacuations as emergency alerts sounded.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that a 50-year-old woman died in the state, while Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada reported the death of a 60-year-old man in the capital.
Authorities also confirmed that at least 12 people sustained injuries, with aftershocks continuing to rattle affected areas.
Mayor Brugada urged citizens to remain calm and stay prepared, reminding residents to keep their emergency “Life Backpack” ready at all times.
The kit, recommended by Mexico’s National Disaster Prevention Center, includes essentials such as drinking water, a flashlight, a radio, non-perishable food, warm clothing and copies of important documents.
City officials said inspections were underway to assess structural safety, with several buildings and homes placed under review as a precautionary measure to prevent potential collapses.
The earthquake triggered Mexico’s Seismic Alert System, prompting people in both Mexico City and Acapulco to flee buildings and gather in open spaces.
The alert network was introduced following the devastating 1985 earthquake that killed over 10,000 people.
President Claudia Sheinbaum was addressing a press conference when the tremor struck. In video footage shared widely online, she can be heard acknowledging the shaking as alarms sounded, calmly instructing those present to evacuate the building.
Mexico lies along one of the world’s most active seismic zones and frequently experiences earthquakes. In 2017, a 7.1-magnitude quake struck the country, killing more than 200 people and destroying dozens of buildings in the capital.
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