Skip to main content
PulseWire News
EcologyMexico

Tragic Earthquake Strikes Mexico: At Least Two Lives Lost

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake has rocked southern and central Mexico, leaving two dead and causing significant damage, particularly in Guerrero state and Mexico City.

Source: bbc.co.uk1 min read
Tragic Earthquake Strikes Mexico: At Least Two Lives Lost
Image via bbc.co.uk

In brief

On Friday, a powerful earthquake of 6.5 magnitude struck near Acapulco, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring over a dozen others. Major impacts were reported across Guerrero and Mexico City, with ongoing assessments for building safety and reports of landslides on highways. The seismic activity has heightened concerns in a country known for its vulnerability to earthquakes.

At least two people have died after a powerful earthquake hit southern and central Mexico on Friday.

The epicentre of the 6.5 magnitude earthquake was near the popular tourist town of Acapulco, near San Marcos in the south-western state of Guerrero, which suffered moderate damage.

A 50-year-old woman died in Guerrero, the state's governor Evelyn Salgado said, while Clara Brugada, Mexico City's mayor, confirmed the death of a 60-year-old man and said 12 others had been injured in the capital.

Mexico is situated in one of the world's most seismically active areas, sitting at the meeting point of four tectonic plates.

Late on Friday night, Brugada said power has been restored to '98% of the failures reported' in Mexico City.

Two structures were being evaluated for risk of collapse, she said, while 34 buildings and five homes were being inspected as a preventative measure.

Damage assessments are under way in Mexico City after roads and hospitals were impacted, according to news agency Reuters, while authorities noted various landslides on highways around the Guerrero state.

Mexico's seismological service had registered 420 aftershocks by midday local time (18:00 GMT).

President Claudia Sheinbaum was holding her first press conference of the year when the earthquake struck.

In a video capturing the moment, Sheinbaum can be heard saying 'it's shaking' as an earthquake alert system rings in the background. She then tells the media to 'all get out calmly'.

Additional footage shows buildings shaking in Mexico City and cars trembling in Acapulco.

After hearing the Mexican Seismic Alert System early on Friday, residents and tourists rushed into the streets of Mexico City and Acapulco.

The seismic system was put into place following the deadly 1985 earthquake that claimed more than 10,000 lives.

In 2017, a 7.1 magnitude quake killed more than 200 people and toppled dozens of buildings in Mexico City.

Topics

More on this story