A powerful earthquake rattled Mexico on Friday morning, creating a dramatic scene as it forced President Claudia Sheinbaum and her team to abruptly evacuate a live press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City.
Live Broadcast Captures Sudden Evacuation
The tremor struck as President Sheinbaum was addressing reporters during her regular morning briefing. Seismic alarms suddenly blared across the capital, prompting an immediate but calm evacuation. The entire sequence was broadcast live, showing the conference being cut short as officials and journalists swiftly moved to safety following established emergency protocols.
Mexico’s National Seismological Service reported a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 for the quake. The epicenter was located near San Marcos in the southern state of Guerrero, close to the Pacific coast and not far from the popular resort destination of Acapulco. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred shortly after 8:00 AM local time at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers.
Widespread Tremors and Public Response
The shaking was felt across southern and central Mexico, including the densely populated capital. In Mexico City, residents and workers streamed out of buildings, homes, and hotels after being alerted by loud sirens and mobile phone warning systems.
Despite the significant strength of the quake, authorities stated there were no immediate reports of serious structural damage or casualties. President Sheinbaum, after resuming her briefing a short time later, confirmed she had spoken with Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado. The governor relayed that no major damage had been reported so far in the state or in Mexico City itself.
Residents Describe Moments of Fear
Eyewitness accounts highlighted the sudden fear experienced by many. Karen Gómez, a 47-year-old office worker living on the 13th floor of an apartment building in Mexico City, said she was jolted awake by the alert on her phone. "I woke up in terror. My phone said it was a powerful earthquake," she told the AFP news agency.
Another resident, Norma Ortega, described clearly feeling her building sway during the event. These personal stories underscore the effectiveness of Mexico's early warning system, which gave crucial seconds for people to react, even as they grappled with the anxiety of the moment.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of Mexico's high seismic activity. The efficient evacuation from the National Palace demonstrated the country's preparedness, honed by past experiences. For now, the nation breathes a sigh of relief as a major earthquake has passed without the tragic loss of life or widespread destruction seen in previous events.
