Two people killed in magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Mexico

At least two people died after a powerful earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday.

BBC’s news partner in America, CBS, reported that two people died and many people were injured as of Friday evening local time.

The epicenter of the 6.5 magnitude earthquake was near the popular tourist city of Acapulco, near San Marcos in the southwestern state of Guerrero.

State Governor Evelyn Salgado said a 50-year-old woman was believed to have died in Guerrero, while Mexico City mayor Clara Brugada confirmed the death of a 60-year-old man. He also said 12 people were injured. Brugada said aftershocks from Friday’s earthquake continue to be felt.

He urged locals to “stay calm” and “keep the Backpack of Life ready at all times”.

He was referring to the emergency kit that Mexico’s National Disaster Mitigation Center is encouraging residents to prepare to “help survive the first hours of the disaster.” Items should include a flashlight, radio, water, non-perishable food, warm clothing and photocopies of all important documents.

Brugada said the two structures were assessed for risk of collapse. “And as a preventive measure, 34 buildings and 5 houses are being inspected.”

Hearing about the Mexican Seismic Warning System early Friday, citizens and tourists flocked to the streets of Mexico City and Acapulco.

The seismic system was implemented following the deadly earthquake of 1985, which claimed more than 10,000 lives.

Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum was holding her first press conference of the year when the earthquake occurred.

In the video recording that moment, Sheinbaum can be heard saying “he’s shaking” while the earthquake warning system plays in the background. The president told the media to “all come out calmly.” Additional video footage shows buildings shaking in Mexico City and cars shaking in Acapulco, Guerrero.