On Friday, a powerful earthquake, registering 6.5 in magnitude according to the United States Geological Survey, shook southern and central Mexico. The seismic event centered near San Marcos, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Acapulco, along the Pacific coast. The tremor was strong enough to abruptly halt President Claudia Sheinbaum's first press conference of the year when seismic alarms sounded, causing noticeable shaking in Guerrero and wider regions.
Following the quake, no immediate reports indicated serious property damage or casualties. Roughly ten minutes after the seismic alert, President Sheinbaum resumed her briefing, noting, "It seems there are no significant damages, but we await official updates from Guerrero." Concurrently, Guerrero's governor, Evelyn Salgado, confirmed rapid deployment of civil protection teams for damage inspections across the state's eight regions. She urged the public to remain alert as aftershocks had been recorded and communications with municipal authorities continued to assess any impacts and ensure prompt response.
In Mexico City, the earthquake was strongly felt, particularly in taller buildings. Various observers and journalists noted not only shaking but also distinctive noises emanating from structural walls. Residents responded immediately, with many evacuating their homes in informal attire and carrying pets, keenly observing the condition of infrastructure such as electrical wires and trees. Additionally, a recently implemented government alert system transmitted emergency notifications to cell phones, supplementing traditional warning mechanisms.
The event has underscored the importance of rapid response and public alert systems in seismic regions. Local authorities remain engaged in monitoring the situation, particularly the potential for aftershocks and their implications for safety and infrastructure integrity.