Strong 6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mexico City, Two Casualties

Post by : Mina Rahman

A robust 6.5-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Mexico, creating tremors that reverberated through the capital and coastal areas, claiming at least two lives and inflicting considerable damage near the epicenter.

Seismologists reported that the quake struck just before 8:00 am local time, with its epicenter approximately 14 kilometers southwest of San Marcos, a town in the state of Guerrero. The shock was felt nearly 400 kilometers away in Mexico City, where emergency sirens triggered a swift evacuation response, sending many residents outdoors during the holiday break.

In Mexico City, a 60-year-old man tragically died after falling as he evacuated his second-floor apartment. City officials noted that at least 12 individuals suffered injuries, yet no substantial structural damage was detected in the metropolitan area.

President Claudia Sheinbaum was conducting her regular morning press briefing when alarms rang out, necessitating a precautionary evacuation of the presidential palace.

The most severe damage occurred in San Marcos, where numerous homes were either totally destroyed or sustained severe fractures. Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado reported that a woman in her fifties lost her life when her house collapsed amidst the quake. Local assessments indicate that around 50 homes were significantly damaged, with nearly every structure showing some level of cracking.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation, pointing to collapsed walls and deep fissures within their homes. Many residents remained outside for hours, anxious about potential aftershocks.

In Acapulco, a renowned tourist destination, sirens echoed through the city as locals and visitors evacuated hotels and buildings in a state of panic. Some tourists were seen fleeing into the streets with little time to pack their belongings.

Situated at the convergence of five tectonic plates, Mexico frequently experiences earthquakes. Experts emphasize that tremors from the Pacific coast, especially near Guerrero, are often strongly felt in Mexico City due to its soft, lakebed soil, which amplifies seismic waves.

In recent years, the country has heavily invested in early warning systems, such as mobile alerts and public loudspeakers, proving vital in assisting residents with rapid evacuations and minimizing casualties.

Authorities are currently evaluating damage and monitoring aftershocks as communities begin their recovery efforts.