A powerful earthquake has struck Mexico, with tremors felt in the capital, Mexico City. The 6.5-magnitude quake originated near San Marcos, close to the popular coastal destination of Acapulco, as confirmed by Mexico’s national seismological agency. Numerous aftershocks, over 150, have been recorded following the main quake.
During President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press conference of the year, seismic alarms interrupted the briefing. Residents, including José Raymundo DÃaz Taboada, living near Acapulco, described hearing a loud rumbling noise and feeling the ground shaking. The seismic alert on Taboada’s phone further signaled the impending tremor, which, although strong and noisy, was milder compared to previous earthquakes.
Communication disruptions hampered Taboada’s attempts to reach friends residing in the Costa Chica area southeast of Acapulco. The Mexican Seismic Alert System (SASMEX) provided 68 seconds of warning to Mexico City residents, but those closer to the epicenter in Acapulco had only nine seconds to prepare.
Reports indicated a landslide in the El Derrumbe area along the Acapulco-Zihuatanejo highway, prompting officials to advise caution in travel. Aftershocks continued to be felt in Acapulco, with Roberto Arroyo, head of Civil Protection for Guerrero, describing the tremor as strong but brief.
Governor Evelyn Salgado of Guerrero reassured the public of no significant damage reported in the state of Michoacán, urging calm and vigilant monitoring. The earthquake’s impact extended to various regions, including Veracruz, Jalisco, and Tabasco, causing power outages in some areas north of Mexico City.
President Sheinbaum’s press conference was disrupted by the earthquake alarm, with minor damages reported. Unconfirmed social media posts depicted buildings shaking and debris falling. Despite the disturbance, Governor Salgado assured President Sheinbaum of no serious damages observed thus far.
The earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.5, originated near San Marcos in Guerrero, affecting several states across Mexico. The US Geological Survey detailed the quake’s epicenter east of Acapulco. President Sheinbaum calmly handled the interruption, emphasizing safety and monitoring efforts.
As more details emerge, the seismic event serves as a reminder of Mexico’s vulnerability to earthquakes, prompting heightened preparedness and monitoring measures.