OAXACA, Mexico — A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck southern Mexico on Friday, sending tremors across the region and interrupting a speech by the country’s president. The quake originated near the Pacific coast, causing panic among residents in several cities, including the state capital, Oaxaca.

The earthquake struck shortly before 11 a.m. local time, prompting widespread alarm. Buildings swayed, and emergency sirens blared, adding to the chaos as people evacuated offices and homes. Fortunately, initial reports indicated that there were no immediate casualties or significant damage, although assessments were ongoing in various communities.

Video footage from the scene captured scenes of startled faces as the ground shook, and many took to social media to share their experiences. One resident, witnessing the quake from a local market, described the moment as “terrifying” but expressed relief that it was over quickly.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador was in the middle of an address when the quake hit. He reassured citizens shortly after the tremors subsided, stating that the government would ensure all necessary measures were taken to assess the situation and keep the public informed. “Our priority is the safety of all citizens,” he said.

Seismologists indicated that the quake’s epicenter was located about 30 miles west of Oaxaca City, at a depth of approximately 32 kilometers. The region is susceptible to seismic activity due to its proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Local authorities activated emergency protocols to check infrastructure integrity and ascertain if there were injuries or damages in remote areas. Residents were urged to remain vigilant as aftershocks could occur in the following days, and safety drills were conducted to prepare for potential future events.

In neighboring regions, some communities experienced minor disruptions, but no reports of serious injury or destruction had emerged by late afternoon. Relief agencies remained on standby, ready to mobilize resources if needed.

As Mexico experiences regular seismic events, the most recent quake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the ongoing need for preparedness and resilience.