MEXICO CITY
A powerful earthquake measuring magnitude 6.5 shook southern and central Mexico Friday morning, rattling buildings, triggering alarms, and interrupting a live presidential briefing. The tremor struck at approximately 7:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter near San Marcos in Guerrero state, around 35 kilometers deep, sending shockwaves across the region, including Mexico City and nearby coastal areas.
The earthquake caused immediate disruption in the capital, where President Claudia Sheinbaum was holding her first press briefing of the year at the National Palace. Emergency sirens blared and staff evacuated the building as the president calmly guided attendees to safety. Video footage captured the moment, showing the tremors shaking the room before the briefing resumed once the shaking subsided.
Officials reported two fatalities linked to the earthquake. One victim, a woman near the epicenter in Guerrero, died after her home collapsed, while a 67-year-old man in Mexico City suffered a fatal fall during evacuation. At least 17 other people were injured, and emergency teams were dispatched to assess structural damage across the affected regions.
In Guerrero, the earthquake triggered landslides that impacted local highways and roads, complicating rescue and assessment efforts. A hospital in Chilpancingo, the state capital, sustained structural damage, necessitating the evacuation of patients. In Mexico City, residents rushed into the streets as tall buildings swayed, highlighting the intensity of the quake even hundreds of kilometers from its epicenter.
Local civil protection authorities and government officials responded promptly. President Sheinbaum confirmed she had spoken with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado, and early reports indicated no widespread severe damage, though aftershocks were expected and caution was advised. Emergency alerts were issued to residents, urging them to remain vigilant.
Mexico sits atop active tectonic boundaries, particularly the interaction between the Cocos Plate and North American Plate, making earthquakes common in the southern region. Shallow earthquakes, like this one at approximately 35 kilometers depth, tend to produce stronger surface shaking over a wide area. Following the main tremor, authorities recorded hundreds of aftershocks, creating ongoing concern for residents and emergency services.
As authorities continue damage assessments and monitor aftershocks, residents are being urged to prioritize safety and follow official guidance. The 6.5 magnitude quake serves as a reminder of Mexico’s seismic vulnerability and the importance of emergency preparedness across both urban and rural areas.
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