A seismic alarm cut short President Claudia Sheinbaum’s initial press conference of the new year on Friday, as a powerful earthquake registered a preliminary magnitude of 6.5, its epicenter situated near the town of San Marcos in Guerrero. This region, close to the Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco, experienced significant shaking that sent residents and tourists alike rushing into the streets, a familiar scene in a country accustomed to seismic activity. The U.S. Geological Survey later specified the quake’s depth at 35 kilometers, placing it north-northwest of Rancho Viejo, a mountainous area approximately 91 kilometers northeast of Acapulco.
The immediate aftermath saw reports of landslides in the vicinity of Acapulco and along other highways within Guerrero state, according to the local civil defense agency. While the tremors were widely felt across southern and central Mexico, initial assessments provided a degree of reassurance. Shortly after the interruption, President Sheinbaum resumed her briefing, confirming that she had spoken with Guerrero’s Governor Evelyn Salgado, who indicated no serious damage had been reported across the state. This preliminary assessment offered a measure of relief, though the disruption itself underscored the ever-present threat of seismic events in the region.
For those closer to the epicenter, the experience was more visceral. José Raymundo Díaz Taboada, a doctor and human rights defender who resides on one of Acapulco’s surrounding peaks, recounted hearing a profound rumble just before the neighborhood dogs began barking in unison. He described the almost instantaneous activation of the seismic alert on his cell phone, followed by a strong, noisy shaking. While he noted that the intensity seemed less severe than some previous quakes, the incident nevertheless prompted him to prepare a backpack of essentials, a testament to the preparedness ingrained in many who live in earthquake-prone areas, especially with potential aftershocks in mind.
The immediate challenges extended beyond the initial jolt. Díaz Taboada also mentioned difficulties in contacting friends living along the Costa Chica, southeast of Acapulco, attributing the communication breakdown to the quake’s impact. Such disruptions, even if temporary, highlight the vulnerability of infrastructure during natural disasters. The rapid response and communication between governmental figures, such as President Sheinbaum and Governor Salgado, are crucial in these moments to ascertain the scope of any damage and coordinate relief efforts, even if initial reports are favorable.
This event serves as a stark reminder of Mexico’s geological reality, positioned at the confluence of several tectonic plates. The country has invested heavily in early warning systems, like the seismic alarms that blared across Mexico City, providing precious seconds for people to take cover or evacuate buildings. These systems, while not preventing the quakes themselves, are vital tools in mitigating potential casualties and damage by offering a brief but critical window of preparation. The swift return to normalcy after the initial scare, coupled with the lack of serious damage reports, speaks to both the resilience of the infrastructure and the population’s ingrained readiness.
