At least two people were killed and dozens of homes destroyed after a powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Mexico on Friday, triggering panic, mass evacuations and a brief suspension of the president’s daily press conference.
The quake hit near the Pacific coast in the southern state of Guerrero, according to the US Geological Survey, which said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometres. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the epicentre was located about 15 kilometres from the town of San Marcos, roughly 230 kilometres southwest of Mexico City.
Initial reports indicated no major structural damage in Mexico City or across most of Guerrero, Sheinbaum said. However, authorities in the capital confirmed the death of a 60-year-old man who died in a fall while evacuating his home during the tremor. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said at least 12 people were injured in the capital.
Sheinbaum was addressing journalists in Mexico City when seismic alarms sounded. The ground could be felt shaking before she calmly evacuated the venue alongside reporters. The briefing resumed shortly afterwards.
The town of San Marcos, located near the coastal resort city of Acapulco, was among the hardest hit. Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado said a woman in her fifties was killed when her home collapsed.
San Marcos Mayor Misael Lorenzo Castillo said around 50 homes were completely destroyed and that nearly all buildings in the town suffered structural cracks.
The earthquake prompted millions of residents across central and southern Mexico to rush into the streets as aftershocks were feared. Emergency services continue to assess damage in affected communities, while authorities have urged the public to remain alert as seismic activity remains possible in the region.
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