At a Glance
- 6.5-magnitude quake rattled Guerrero, killing two.
- Epicenter near San Marcos, 57 mi northeast of Acapulco.
- Over 500 aftershocks and landslides reported.
- Why it matters: The quake caused structural damage to a hospital, triggered evacuations, and disrupted communications, affecting residents and tourists across Mexico.
A powerful 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck southern Mexico on Friday, rattling Guerrero and central regions. The tremor killed two people, caused landslides, damaged a hospital in Chilpancingo, and left aftershocks shaking the area for hours.
Earthquake Details
The National Seismological Agency recorded the quake at a depth of 21.7 mi (35 km) north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, Guerrero. It was centered near San Marcos, close to Acapulco.
Impact and Response
Civil defense reported landslides on highways around Acapulco.
- Two fatalities: a 50-year-old woman in a collapsed home and one person in Mexico City who fell during evacuation.
- Landslides disrupted highways and caused road closures.
- A hospital in Chilpancingo suffered major structural damage, prompting patient evacuations.
Personal Accounts
Doctor and human rights defender José Raymundo Díaz Taboada described the shaking and loss of communications.
José Raymundo Díaz Taboada added:
> “I heard a strong rumble noise and all the neighborhood dogs began barking.”
José Raymundo Díaz Taboada said:
> “In that moment the seismic alert went off on my cellphone, and then the shaking began to feel strong with a lot of noise.”
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 6.5 |
| Depth | 21.7 mi (35 km) |
| Epicenter | San Marcos, Guerrero |
| Aftershocks | >500 |
| Casualties | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- 6.5-magnitude quake triggered widespread aftershocks and landslides.
- Structural damage to a Chilpancingo hospital led to patient evacuations.
- Communication disruptions hindered contact with residents in affected areas.
The quake underscored the region’s seismic vulnerability, prompting ongoing emergency measures and a call for preparedness.
