Powerful 6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Mexico, Kills 2 And Causes Property Damage

Mexico City: A powerful 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico on Friday, with tremors felt across southern and central parts of the country. The epicentre was near San Marcos in Guerrero, a southern state close to the Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco, which is a popular tourist destination. The earthquake was strong enough to interrupt President Claudia Sheinbaum's press briefing, triggering seismic alarms and sending people running out of buildings in Mexico City and Acapulco.  

According to reports, at least two deaths were reported after the earthquake hit the nation, with tremors felt across a wide area, from coastal regions to the densely populated capital city. The Mexican authorities are now assessing the damage, with pictures emerging of buildings with visible structural damage, cracks in walls, and debris scattered in some neighbourhoods. 

The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 21.7 miles, with the epicentre located about 2.5 miles north-northwest of Guerrero's Rancho Viejo. 

As per reports, in Mexico City, several buildings suffered visible damage, with reports of cracks in walls and debris in some neighbourhoods. A hospital in Chilpancingo, located in Guerrero's capital, suffered major structural damage, and patients were evacuated. The state's civil defence agency reported various landslides around Acapulco and on other highways in the state.

The Mexican officials confirmed two deaths in the earthquake. The officials stated that a 50-year-old woman living in a small community near the epicentre died when her home collapsed, while a man in Mexico City died after suffering a medical emergency and falling while evacuating a building.

Physician and Human Rights Advocate in Acapulco, Dr Jose Raymundo Diaz Taboada, described the earthquake as a strong rumble noise that set off his neighbourhood dogs barking. He had prepared a backpack with essentials, ready to leave if needed.

Pertinently, there were over 500 aftershocks reported, keeping authorities on high alert. President Sheinbaum resumed her press briefing shortly after the earthquake, reassuring the public that she was in contact with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado.

Further details regarding the deadly earthquake in Mexico are awaited.