Mexico Earthquake Disrupts President Claudia Sheinbaum’s First Briefing of Year
A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico early Friday. The quake interrupted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press conference of the year as seismic alarms sounded.
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The earthquake triggered Mexico’s seismic alert system and was felt in Mexico City and Acapulco. President Sheinbaum paused the briefing and resumed it shortly after the shaking stopped.
Mexico Earthquake Epicenter and Magnitude
According to Mexico’s national seismological agency, the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.5. The epicenter was located near the town of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero, close to the Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 21.7 miles (35 kilometers). The location was identified as 2.5 miles north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, a mountainous area approximately 57 miles northeast of Acapulco.
The depth and location contributed to the tremor being felt across a wide region, including central Mexico.
Seismic Alerts Triggered Nationwide
As the shaking began, the Mexican Seismic Alert System was activated. Residents in multiple cities reported hearing alarms before or during the tremor. The alert system was implemented after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, which killed at least 5,000 people, to provide early warnings and reduce casualties.
In Mexico City and Acapulco, residents and tourists rushed into the streets as buildings swayed. Many people followed safety protocols, moving away from structures and remaining in open areas until the shaking stopped.
Impact on Guerrero and Acapulco
Guerrero state authorities reported landslides around Acapulco and on several highways in the region. While the landslides caused concern, officials did not immediately report any major structural damage.
Some areas experienced communication disruptions, particularly along the Costa Chica region southeast of Acapulco. Residents reported difficulty reaching friends and family as phone signals were cut following the quake.
Despite these issues, emergency services continued monitoring affected areas.
Government Response and Official Statements
President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation shortly after resuming her press briefing. She confirmed that she had spoken directly with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado, who informed her that no serious damage or injuries had been reported at that time.
Authorities emphasized that assessments were ongoing, especially in mountainous and coastal areas where landslides are more likely after strong earthquakes.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Strong Shaking
Residents near Acapulco described hearing loud rumbling noises before the shaking intensified. José Raymundo Díaz Taboada, a doctor and human rights defender living on one of the peaks surrounding Acapulco, said he noticed unusual behavior just before the quake.
He reported that dogs in the neighborhood began barking as the seismic alert sounded on his phone. Moments later, the shaking became strong, accompanied by loud noise.
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Díaz Taboada said the tremor felt lighter than some previous earthquakes, but he still prepared an emergency backpack with essential items in case aftershocks followed.
Preparedness and Aftershocks
Mexico frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location along major tectonic plate boundaries. Residents in earthquake-prone regions are often advised to keep emergency supplies ready and to remain alert for aftershocks following strong tremors.
While aftershocks were expected, no immediate reports of significant secondary quakes were released at the time of the briefing.
No Injuries or Major Damage Reported
As of the latest official updates, no injuries or major structural damage had been confirmed. Authorities continued to inspect infrastructure, highways, and residential areas, particularly in Guerrero.
Emergency management teams remained on standby to respond to any new developments.
Conclusion
The incident in which a Mexico earthquake interrupts president press conference highlighted the country’s preparedness and rapid response systems. President Sheinbaum’s calm reaction and the swift activation of seismic alerts underscored the effectiveness of emergency protocols developed over decades of experience with earthquakes.
While the 6.5 magnitude quake caused temporary disruptions and landslides, early reports suggested that major damage was avoided. Monitoring efforts continued as officials assessed the situation across southern and central Mexico.
