A significant seismic event measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck southern and central Mexico on Friday, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread structural damage. The earthquake’s epicenter was located near the coastal tourist destination of Acapulco, specifically close to San Marcos in Guerrero state, triggering immediate emergency responses across affected regions.
Official reports confirm at least two fatalities from the tremors. Guerrero State Governor Evelyn Salgado identified one victim as a 50-year-old woman, while Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed the death of a 60-year-old man. Additionally, medical authorities reported approximately 12 individuals sustained injuries during the event. Mayor Brugada noted that aftershocks continued to reverberate through the region hours after the initial quake.
The seismic activity prompted immediate evacuations throughout Mexico City and Acapulco as the Mexican Seismic Alert System activated. This sophisticated warning mechanism, implemented after the catastrophic 1985 earthquake that claimed over 10,000 lives, provided critical seconds for residents and tourists to seek safety.
Structural engineers initiated emergency assessments of potentially compromised buildings, with two structures evaluated for collapse risk and 34 buildings plus five homes undergoing comprehensive inspections as precautionary measures.
The earthquake occurred during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s inaugural press conference of the year, with video footage capturing the moment she interrupted proceedings to ensure orderly evacuation. The president’s calm response exemplified official preparedness protocols, including reminders about maintaining ‘Life Backpacks’—emergency kits containing essential survival items such as flashlights, radios, water, non-perishable food, warm clothing, and document copies.
Mexico’s position within one of the world’s most seismically active regions was underscored by this event, coming seven years after the devastating 2017 earthquake that killed over 200 people and destroyed numerous structures in Mexico City.