At least 2 dead after M6.5 earthquake strikes Guerrero and Mexico City, Mexico

A strong M6.5 earthquake struck Guerrero, Mexico on the morning of January 2, killing at least two and leaving 17 injured across the affected regions.

The quake affected Mexico City along at least 16 municipalities in Guerrero, including Acapulco de Juárez, San Marcos, Tecoanapa, Las Vigas, and Ayutla de los Libres.

One fatality was reported in Mexico City, where a 67-year-old man died while trying to evacuate his home in the Benito Juárez borough. The man died as a result of a possible cardiac arrest after tripping and falling during the quake, according to the Mayor’s Office. Twelve others were injured in the city, reported Mayor Clara Brugada.

The second fatality was a 50-year-old woman who died in the Las Minas community in San Marcos after her home collapsed during the tremor, reported the National Civil Protection Agency (CNPC).

The tremor also shook the first press conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who had to temporarily evacuate the conference hall due to the shaking.

The La Raza Hospital in Mexico City reported collapsed ceilings, while a fire broke out on the Artículo 123 Street. Meanwhile, 44 transformers across the city were damaged and are being replaced and repaired by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).

At least 19 gas leaks have been reported in the municipality of Acapulco de Juárez due to 18 landslides along Escénica Avenue, Sinfonía del Mar, and the road to Pie de la Cuesta, which caused multiple homes and structures to collapse.

Over 1 071 aftershocks have been recorded since the quake, with the strongest measuring M4.7.

At least 50 homes were destroyed and 500 were damaged in San Marcos, according to media reports. Local authorities are still conducting surveys in the affected regions to determine the full scale of the damage.

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Strong M6.5 earthquake hits Guerrero, Mexico