Strong Earthquake Disrupts Press Briefing in Mexico City

A significant earthquake struck Mexico on Friday morning, interrupting a press briefing delivered by President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace. The event, which was broadcast live, showed the president, her staff, and journalists promptly evacuating the historic venue when seismic alarms sounded throughout Mexico City.

According to Mexico's National Seismological Service, the earthquake registered a preliminary magnitude of 6.5, with its epicentre located near San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero. This area is situated close to the Pacific coast and not far from the popular tourist destination of Acapulco. The United States Geological Survey reported that the tremor occurred shortly after 8am local time, at a depth of approximately 35 kilometres.

The effects of the quake were felt throughout southern and central Mexico, prompting residents in Mexico City to exit their homes, offices, and hotels as sirens and mobile alerts warned of the impending danger. Despite the earthquake's magnitude, authorities indicated that there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.

Following the brief evacuation, President Sheinbaum resumed her press conference shortly thereafter. She revealed that she had been in contact with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado, who confirmed that no major damage had been reported in either the state or the capital.

Residents expressed their fear as buildings swayed during the tremor. Karen Gómez, a 47-year-old office worker who lives on the 13th floor of an apartment building in Mexico City, recounted her experience, stating, "I woke up in terror. My phone said it was a powerful earthquake." Another resident, Norma Ortega, reported that she distinctly felt her building shake during the event.

Emergency services are continuing to monitor the situation, and the authorities are prepared to respond if further developments arise. The earthquake serves as a reminder of Mexico's vulnerability to seismic activity, given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates frequently collide and cause earthquakes.