Two people killed in 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Mexico

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

CBS, the BBC’s news partner in the United States, reported that on Friday evening local time, two people were killed and several injured.

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

A 50-year-old woman is believed to have died in Guerrero, state governor Evelyn Salgado said, while Clara Brugada, mayor of Mexico City, 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 being felt.

She urged residents to “stay calm” and “always keep the Life Backpack ready”.

She was referring to the emergency backpack that Mexico’s National Disaster Prevention Center encourages 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 a photocopy of all important documents, it says.

Two structures were being assessed for their risk of collapse, Brugada said. “And as a preventative measure, 34 buildings and 5 housing units are being inspected.”

After hearing Mexico’s earthquake warning system early Friday, locals and tourists rushed to the streets of Mexico City and Acapulco.

The seismic system was put in place following the deadly 1985 earthquake which claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people.

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

In a video Capturing the moment, Sheinbaum is heard saying “it’s shaking” as a seismic alert system sounds in the background. The president asks the media to “go out calmly”. Additional video footage shows buildings shaking in Mexico City and cars shaking in Acapulco, Guerrero.