Powerful Mexico Earthquake Leaves One Dead, No Major Damage Reported

A powerful earthquake struck southwestern Mexico on Friday, registering a magnitude of 6.5. The quake occurred at 7:58 AM local time (8:58 AM ET) near San Marcos in Guerrero state, located approximately 400 kilometers from Mexico City. While the tremor resulted in one fatality, authorities reported no major damage across the affected regions.

Details of the Earthquake

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake originated at a depth of 35 kilometers. It prompted many residents of Mexico City to evacuate their homes, often still in their pajamas. Claudia Sheinbaum, the city’s mayor, briefly halted her press conference due to the earthquake’s alert signals.

Impact and Casualties

• One person, a 60-year-old man, died from injuries sustained while evacuating.
• At least 12 individuals reported injuries related to the quake.

The city of San Marcos is close to the famous tourist destination Acapulco, which has around 650,000 residents. Tourists expressed their shock at experiencing such a frightening event at the start of the year.

Aftershocks and Safety Measures

The National Seismological Service identified 151 aftershocks, all of minor intensity. Fortunately, no tsunami warning was issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Mexico has implemented effective earthquake alert systems that provide citizens with approximately one minute to seek safety. Additionally, the city has installed loudspeakers on public streetlights to broadcast seismic alerts.

Historical Context

Mexico is situated at the convergence of five tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active countries in the world. The Pacific coastal area experiences the highest seismic activity globally. Historical earthquakes, such as the devastating 8.1 magnitude quake in 1985, resulted in over 12,000 fatalities and significant damage to Mexico City.

Another significant quake occurred on September 19, 2017, with a magnitude of 7.1, claiming the lives of 369 individuals, primarily in the capital. This vulnerability is exacerbated by Mexico City’s foundation, which rests on a marshy subsoil, originally a lake.

As residents recover from this latest tremor, the country continues to focus on enhancing its seismic readiness and public safety strategies.