A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico early on Friday, rattling buildings and triggering emergency alerts across several cities. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 7:58 a.m. Central Time, with its epicenter located approximately 2 miles northwest of Rancho Viejo, near San Marcos in Guerrero, a region close to the popular Pacific coast resort of Acapulco. The tremor was felt widely, highlighting the country’s continued vulnerability to seismic activity along the Pacific coast.
The earthquake’s impact was immediately noticeable in major urban centers. In Mexico City, office workers and residents felt the ground shake, prompting many to evacuate buildings as seismic alarms blared. Similarly, in Acapulco, people ran into the streets as the quake caused a brief moment of panic. Authorities in these cities emphasized calm while urging residents to follow standard earthquake safety procedures.
The quake was so powerful that it interrupted a live press briefing by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Video footage from the event shows alarms sounding inside the building as the president and her team paused, with staff and journalists reacting to the tremor. While the interruption was brief, it underscored the reach of the earthquake and the need for preparedness even during high-profile events.
According to USGS data, the earthquake struck at a relatively shallow depth, a factor that can influence how strongly shaking is felt on the surface. Scientists caution that even moderate-magnitude earthquakes can be disruptive when they occur near populated areas, as was the case with San Marcos and its surrounding communities.
Seismologists also noted the potential for aftershocks, smaller earthquakes that follow the initial tremor along the same fault line. These aftershocks can occur within days, weeks, or even months after the main event. While most aftershocks are minor, experts warn they can sometimes reach magnitudes similar to or even higher than the original quake, especially in areas already affected.
Authorities have not yet reported significant damage or casualties. The USGS continues to monitor the region, updating data and refining its shake-severity maps to reflect the intensity of the quake across different locations. Local emergency services remain on alert, prepared to respond quickly to any reported incidents in the affected regions.