A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday morning, briefly interrupting President Claudia Sheinbaum’s first press briefing of the new year as seismic alarms rang out across Mexico City. The tremor sent residents and tourists rushing out of buildings in panic, while authorities moved swiftly to assess damage.

Epicentre In Guerrero, Tremors Felt in Capital

According to Mexico’s national seismological service, the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 and originated near the town of San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero, close to the Pacific coast and not far from the tourist hub of Acapulco. The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at a depth of about 35 kilometres and struck at 7:58 am local time.

Although the epicentre was located roughly 230 kilometres from Mexico City, the shaking was strongly felt in the capital due to its unique geography. Large parts of the city are built on soft, muddy subsoil from an ancient lakebed, a factor that amplifies seismic waves and makes the region particularly vulnerable to earthquakes originating off the Pacific coast.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Evacuated Mid-Briefing

The earthquake struck just as President Sheinbaum was addressing the media at the presidential palace. As the seismic alert system was activated, the president calmly paused the briefing and evacuated the building along with journalists and staff. Videos circulating on social media showed the orderly evacuation as alarms echoed through the historic complex.

Sheinbaum returned a short while later and informed reporters that she had spoken with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado. Based on initial assessments, no serious damage or casualties had been reported in either Guerrero or Mexico City.

In Mexico City and Acapulco, residents and tourists poured into the streets when the shaking began. Several videos shared online captured buildings swaying and people gathering in open areas, following standard earthquake safety protocols. Emergency services carried out rapid inspections of key infrastructure, while local authorities urged the public to remain calm.

Officials confirmed that, despite the intensity of the tremors, there were no immediate reports of major structural damage or loss of life. Monitoring remains ongoing as aftershocks are possible in the region.

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Mexico’s Long History With Earthquakes

Mexico lies along the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire” and experiences frequent earthquakes, particularly along the Guerrero coast. The country’s vulnerability was tragically highlighted on September 19, 1985, when a devastating 8.1-magnitude earthquake killed nearly 13,000 people in Mexico City.

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Friday’s earthquake served as a reminder of that history, but also of improved preparedness. The early warning system provided residents with crucial seconds to evacuate, helping to prevent panic-driven injuries. Authorities continue to assess the situation while urging citizens to follow official advisories and earthquake safety guidelines.