6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Southern Mexico, Killing Two

A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico on Friday morning, killing at least two people, damaging infrastructure, and briefly interrupting President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press conference of the year.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake hit near the Pacific Coast in Guerrero state at a depth of 22 miles. By midday, Mexico’s seismological service had recorded 420 aftershocks, the strongest reaching magnitude 4.7.

Casualties and Regional Impact In Guerrero, Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that a 50-year-old woman died when her home collapsed. In Mexico City, local media reported that a 67-year-old man died while attempting to evacuate his apartment building.

Guerrero authorities reported landslides on major highways, gas leaks, and damage to hospitals and public buildings. The region, which includes the resort hub of Acapulco, is still rebuilding after the devastating Category 5 hurricane of 2023.

Scene in the Capital Though the epicenter was 180 miles away, the tremors caused Mexico City’s iconic Angel of Independence monument to sway visibly. Seismic alarms triggered just before 8:00 a.m., sending residents into the streets in pajamas and towels.

Social media footage captured tall buildings swaying into one another and a traffic light collapsing onto a road. Despite the dramatic scenes, city authorities have not yet reported major structural failures.

Presidential Briefing Interrupted The earthquake interrupted President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference at the National Palace. As alarms sounded, Sheinbaum calmly noted the tremors before evacuating the room with journalists. She resumed the briefing shortly after the area was deemed safe.

Mexico’s aviation authority confirmed that while international airports in Mexico City and Acapulco sustained minor damage, flight operations remain unaffected.