6.5-magnitude earthquake, over 900 aftershocks rock Mexico; two dead, landslides reported
Mexico's National Seismological Service said the earthquake's epicentre was located near San Marcos town in the southern state of Guerrero, close to the Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco. The agency said more than 936 aftershocks had been recorded following the main quake.
New Delhi: At least two people were killed after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico on Friday, sending strong tremors across large parts of the country, including the capital Mexico City, and triggering more than 900 aftershocks.
The quake struck as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was addressing a New Year press conference in Mexico City, forcing her to briefly suspend the briefing. She resumed it shortly afterwards.
Mexico's National Seismological Service said the earthquake's epicentre was located near San Marcos town in the southern state of Guerrero, close to the Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco. The agency said more than 936 aftershocks had been recorded following the main quake.
Multiple landslides after quake
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado said a 50-year-old woman was killed after her house collapsed in a small community near the epicentre. In a separate incident, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said one person died after suffering a medical emergency following a fall while evacuating a building.
Guerrero's civil protection agency reported multiple landslides on highways in and around Acapulco, as well as on other roads across the state. Authorities also said a hospital in the state capital, Chilpancingo, suffered heavy damage, forcing the evacuation of several patients.
Residents rushed onto the streets
Residents and tourists in Mexico City and Acapulco rushed onto the streets as tremors were felt across the region.
The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at a depth of 21.7 miles (35 km), about 57 miles northeast of Acapulco, in the mountainous area near Rancho Viejo in Guerrero.