6.5 magnitude earthquake hits Mexico, two dead

A powerful earthquake struck southern and central Mexico on Friday, killing at least two people.

CBS, the British Broadcasting Corporation’s (BBC) news partner in the United States, reported that as of Friday evening local time, two people had died and many others were injured.

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

Evelyn Salgado, the governor of Guerrero state, said a 50-year-old woman in Guerrero state was believed to have died, while Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed the death of a 60-year-old man. She also said 12 people were injured. Brugada said aftershocks from Friday’s earthquake were still felt.

She urged locals to “remain calm” and “always have a survival backpack ready”.

She was referring to Mexico’s National Disaster Preparedness Center encouraging residents to prepare emergency backpacks “to help get through the first hours of a disaster.” It says items should include a flashlight, radio, water, non-perishable food, warm clothing and copies of all important documents.

Brugada said the risk of collapse of both buildings was being assessed. “As a precaution, we are inspecting 34 buildings and five residences.”

Earlier on Friday, residents and tourists flooded the streets of Mexico City and Acapulco after hearing the news about Mexico’s earthquake warning system.

The seismic system was put into use after a deadly earthquake in 1985 claimed more than 10,000 lives.

President Claudia Sheinbaum was holding her first press conference of the year when the earthquake struck.

in video Sheinbaum captured the moment as the earthquake warning system blared in the background, saying it was “shaking.” The president told the media “everyone calmly leave.” Other video footage showed buildings shaking in Mexico City and cars shaking in Acapulco, Guerrero state.