MEXICO CITY — A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 struck southern and central Mexico on Friday, interrupting a press conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum and resulting in at least two fatalities. The tremor’s epicenter was located near the town of San Marcos in Guerrero, close to the resort city of Acapulco, as reported by Mexico’s national seismological agency. Following the initial quake, over 500 aftershocks were recorded.

Local officials noted multiple landslides affecting roads around Acapulco and elsewhere in Guerrero. Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed that a 50-year-old woman lost her life in a small community near the epicenter after her home collapsed. In Chilpancingo, the state capital, a hospital sustained significant structural damage, prompting the evacuation of several patients to ensure their safety.

As the quake jolted buildings, residents and tourists alike evacuated to the streets in both Acapulco and Mexico City. In the capital, Mayor Clara Brugada reported that one individual suffered a fatal medical emergency while fleeing a building, highlighting the chaos experienced during the event.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 21.7 miles (35 kilometers) and was centered just north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, a mountainous area about 57 miles from Acapulco. Despite the severity of the quake, Sheinbaum returned to her press briefing shortly afterward, demonstrating resilience amid the chaos.

Witnesses described the experience, with Dr. José Raymundo Díaz Taboada, a human rights advocate living near Acapulco, recalling a deep rumble and the frenzied barking of neighborhood dogs. “The seismic alert went off on my cellphone, and then the shaking began to feel strong with a lot of noise,” he said, noting the urgency of the moment.

Dr. Díaz observed that, though the tremors were less intense than in previous quakes, he had prepared an emergency backpack in anticipation of aftershocks. However, uncertainty loomed as he lost contact with friends living along the southeastern coast due to disrupted communications.

The impact of the earthquake is being assessed as recovery efforts begin in affected areas. Local authorities are working diligently to address the needs of those displaced and ensure the safety of the community amid continued seismic activity. The potential for more aftershocks remains a concern, urging residents to stay vigilant.