Two Lives Lost After 6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mexico

Tragedy in Mexico Following Devastating Earthquake

At least two people have died after a powerful earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday. According to CBS, BBC's news partner in America, by Friday evening, two fatalities had been confirmed, with several others injured.

The epicenter of the 6.5 magnitude earthquake was located near the popular tourist city of Acapulco, close to San Marcos in Guerrero state. A 50-year-old woman is confirmed dead in Guerrero, as stated by the state governor, Evelyn Salgado, while Clara Brugada, the mayor of Mexico City, confirmed the death of a 60-year-old man. Brugada also noted that 12 individuals have sustained injuries.

Brugada emphasized the risk of aftershocks caused by the earthquake, urging residents to "remain calm" and to always have their "emergency backpack ready." She referred to the emergency backpack which Mexico’s National Disaster Prevention Center encourages residents to prepare for "aiding survival in the first hours during a disaster." The backpack should include a flashlight, radio, water, non-perishable food, warm clothing, and photocopies of important documents.

Two structures are currently being assessed for collapse risks, as stated by Brugada. "As a precautionary measure, 34 buildings and 5 homes are under inspection." After the seismic alert system in Mexico sounded on Friday morning, residents and tourists fled into the streets in Mexico City and Acapulco. The seismic system was implemented following the devastating earthquake in 1985, which resulted in over 10,000 fatalities.

President Claudia Sheinbaum was holding her first press conference of the year when the earthquake occurred. In a video capturing the moment, Sheinbaum is heard saying "it’s shaking" as the earthquake alarm blares in the background. The president urged journalists to "exit calmly." Other video footage showed buildings shaking in Mexico City and cars trembling in Acapulco, Guerrero.

Mexico is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. In 2017, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake claimed over 200 lives and caused extensive building collapses in Mexico City.