6.5 Earthquake Strikes Southern and Central Mexico; Two Dead

Mexico City: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck southern and central Mexico, killing at least two people. According to Mexico’s National Seismological Service, the epicentre was located near San Marcos town in the southern state of Guerrero, close to the Pacific coastal resort city of Acapulco. More than 500 aftershocks were reported following the main quake.

The state civil defence agency reported landslides on highways around Acapulco and in other parts of the state. Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado said a 50-year-old woman who lived close to the epicentre died after her house collapsed. Authorities also confirmed damage to a hospital in Chilpancingo, the state capital of Guerrero, and said patients had to be evacuated.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents and tourists in Mexico City and Acapulco rushing out into the streets as the quake struck. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said one person died after collapsing while evacuating a building.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 kilometres, about 2.5 miles north-northwest of Rancho Viejo in Guerrero. The tremor struck while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was addressing a press conference at the start of the New Year.