Powerful 6.5-magnitude quake rattles Mexico City, sparks evacuation

A significant earthquake struck Mexico City and the southwestern state of Guerrero on Friday, prompting President Claudia Sheinbaum to evacuate the presidential palace during her morning press conference. The 6.5-magnitude quake, confirmed by the national seismological service, was centered approximately 15 kilometers from San Marcos, Guerrero, roughly 230 kilometers from Mexico City. According to preliminary reports, there were no reports of serious damage in either Mexico City or Guerrero, despite the city's vulnerability due to its location on the former bed of a lake. The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake occurred at 7:58 am local time, or 1358 GMT, with the epicenter situated off the Pacific coast of Guerrero state. The region's history with devastating earthquakes, including the 1985 8.1-magnitude disaster that left nearly 13,000 dead, serves as a reminder of the area's seismic risk. The quake's impact was felt strongly, with those in the affected areas advised to remain cautious as further assessments are conducted.