A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico early Friday, sending tremors through the capital and nearby regions but leaving no injuries or major damage in its wake, authorities said. The quake hit just before 8 am local time, triggering seismic alarms and brief evacuations across the area.
The tremor’s effects were widely felt from Guerrero state near the Pacific coast to Mexico City, where residents and officials reacted swiftly as the early-morning quake rippled through buildings and streets.
Epicentre Near Guerrero’s Pacific Coast
According to Mexico’s national seismological agency, the earthquake’s epicentre was located near San Marcos in the state of Guerrero, close to the resort town of Acapulco on the Pacific coast.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at a depth of about 35 kilometres (22 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, a depth that contributed to the widespread shaking felt across central Mexico.
President’s Press Conference Interrupted by Alerts
The earthquake briefly disrupted President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press briefing of the year. Seismic alarms sounded inside the presidential palace, prompting an orderly evacuation of the room where officials and journalists were gathered.
Sheinbaum later resumed the press conference and confirmed she had spoken with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado. Both leaders reported that, based on early assessments, there were no serious injuries or significant structural damage in either Guerrero or Mexico City.
Mexico City’s Soft Soil Increases Shake Intensity
Mexico City’s location on soft, historical lakebed soil tends to amplify earthquake shaking, even when the epicentre is far away. The city has experienced this effect in past seismic events, which can make moderate quakes feel stronger to residents.
Despite the intense feel of the tremors, the lack of serious damage or casualties this time has provided relief to many residents who felt the ground move, especially early in the morning.
Evacuations and Safety Protocols Activated
Seismic alerts prompted evacuations of several buildings in Mexico City and nearby regions as a precautionary measure. Reports from civil protection agencies noted that safety protocols worked as designed, helping people move quickly away from potential danger zones.
Helicopters from local authorities were also deployed to conduct aerial surveys and assess conditions on the ground in parts of the capital, though they reported no major issues during initial scans.
Reactions from Residents and Tourists
People in both Mexico City and coastal regions, such as Acapulco, described feeling strong shaking. Many residents briefly left their homes, shops, and offices, and turned to higher ground or open spaces to wait until aftershocks had subsided.
Some tourists visiting central Mexico also reported feeling the tremors while enjoying holiday activities, though most described the event as intense but not frightening once safety protocols were followed.
Earthquake History Highlights Why Alerts Matter
Mexico lies along several active tectonic plate boundaries, making it prone to earthquakes. The early-warning system, which sounded alarms Friday, has saved lives in past major quakes, including the devastating 1985 earthquake that caused widespread destruction in Mexico City.
Officials urged residents to stay alert for possible aftershocks and to follow local civil protection guidance in the hours after the quake.
No Casualties or Major Damage So Far
Early reports from emergency responders and local authorities confirmed that, as of Friday afternoon, there were no injuries or significant structural damage linked to the 6.5 magnitude quake. Officials continue to monitor conditions and will update the public if further assessments indicate any issues.
Residents and emergency crews alike stressed the effectiveness of Mexico’s seismic alert system, which helped prompt rapid response and ensured safety without panic.