6.5-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Mexico City, President Evacuated During Press Conference
MEXICO CITY, Jan 3 – A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake rattled Mexico City and the southwestern state of Guerrero on Friday morning, triggering earthquake alerts and sending residents rushing into the streets. Authorities reported no immediate major damage.
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| Francisco Robles / AFP / Getty Images |
The tremor interrupted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s regular morning press conference, forcing her and attending journalists to evacuate the presidential palace as alarms sounded across the capital.
Earthquake Epicenter and Timing
Mexico’s National Seismological Service reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 14 kilometers southwest of San Marcos, in Guerrero state, roughly 400 kilometers from Mexico City.
According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck around 8:00 a.m. local time, east of Acapulco, a major port city and popular beach destination.
No Major Damage Reported
Despite the strong shaking felt across central and southern Mexico, President Sheinbaum stated that there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties in either Mexico City or Guerrero.
Emergency services conducted routine safety checks following the quake, while residents remained alert for possible aftershocks.
Mexico’s Earthquake Preparedness
Mexico is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent seismic activity. The country’s early warning system provided residents with crucial seconds to evacuate buildings, a factor credited with reducing injuries during earthquakes.
Officials continue to monitor the situation and advised the public to follow guidance from civil protection authorities.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
